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htllOtVPE paiNTINC- CO, BOSTON 



Reminiscences 



of the 



REV. GEORGE AEEEN 



OF WORCESTER. 



i^ 



/^ With a Biographical Sketch and Notes by 

/ 
FRANKLIN P. RICE. 

V 

^ . 1 1 \^^% L 

\ .1.1. ' -'^■-' jj 

WORCESTER, MASS.: _^ 

PUTNAM AND DA VIS, PUBLISHERS. 
1883. 



TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY COPIES. 




Copyright, 1883, 

by 

FRANKLIN P. RICE. 



TO 

THE MEMBERS 

OF 

^i)0 WLovttnttv ^otitis of Stntiquitg 

THIS VOLUME IS DEDICATED, 

AS 

AN INADEQUATE MEMORIAL 
OF ONE 

WHO EVER MANIFESTED A KINDLY INTEREST IN THE 

METHODS AND OBJECTS 

OF 

THE SOCIETY, 



PREFACE. 



The Reminiscences contained in this volume have been selected 
from the gleanings of several years' intimate and cordial inter- 
course with Mr. Allen. The occasional noting of some special 
memoranda or interesting facts received from him resulted in the 
purpose, some time since, to gather materials from which to form, 
after his decease, a permanent record of his experiences ; and 
something of a systematic effort was pursued to this end. A large 
mass of valuable data was secured, comprising his recollections of 
distinguished persons and remarkable events, together with many 
historical facts and anecdotes not generally known. As most of 
these were fragmentary and disconnected, and as Mr. Allen was 
reticent about matters personal to himself, some difficulties pre- 
cluded the presentation of a consecutive narrative of his life ; and 
it has been thought best to print a portion of the materials as they 
were received from him, without change or emendation, excepting 
that of arrangement and classification. 

In the selection of the matter, references to living persons have, 
with few exceptions, been excluded, otherwise the volume could 
have been largely extended. The purpose of the notes is to 



6 PREFACE. 

answer inquiries naturally suggested to the mind of the reader by 
the text, rather than to supply full information concerning the 
subject. The Biographical Sketch is necessarily incomplete : 
materials were not accessible, and but a mere outline has been 
attempted. 

These Reminiscences were freely given to me by Mr. Allen, the 
condition being that they should not be made pubUc during his 
lifetime. 

Franklin P. Rice. 

Worces^er^ Mass.. September 8. iSSj. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



Of the paternal ancestry of the Rev. George Allen, 
little can be ascertained at the present time in 
addition to the facts that his grandfather, James 
Allen, was a respectable citizen of Boston, a tailor 
by trade, and that he married as his second wife, 
Mary, the only sister of the revolutionary patriot, 
Samuel Adams, by whom he had several children. 
Of these a daughter became the wife of the Rev. 
Joseph Avery, minister of Holden from 1772 to 1823. 
Two sons, Samuel and Joseph, removed to Worces- 
ter about the year 1776. Samuel was treasurer of 
Worcester County from 1790 to his death in 1830. 
He was a man universally respected for his integrity 
and virtues. 

Joseph Allen, the father of the subject of this 
sketch, was born in Boston, September 13, 1749. He 
was a pupil of the celebrated Master Lovell at the 
Boston Latin School. He served an apprenticeship 



lO BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 

in commercial business, and about the year 1770, 
established himself in trade in the town of Leicester. 
In the difficulties preceding the Revolution he was 
a firm patriot, and of the foremost in resisting the 
oppressive policy of the British Government. He 
was the author of many resolutions, petitions and 
addresses put forth at this time. In 1776, soon 
after the re-organization of the courts of the Com- 
monwealth, he was appointed Clerk for Worcester 
County, and continued in this office until his resigna- 
tion in 18 10. He served one term in Congress, was 
for three years a member of the Executive Council, 
and twice a Presidential Elector. He took a deep in- 
terest in educational matters, was one of the found- 
ers of Leicester Academy, and long treasurer of that 
corporation. "His mind and manners," said one of 
his cotemporaries, "were alike formed on the best 
models. In addition to his classical attainments he 
was distinguished for that politeness and graceful- 
ness of deportment, which was in some degree pe- 
culiar to the men of his generation. Through his 
whole course, strict integrity, unblemished honor, 
and undisguised detestation of whatever was base 
and unworthy, were prominent traits in his charac- 
ter. A native generosity of disposition prompted 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. I I 

him to deeds of beneficence. He was familiar with 
the best EngHsh writers, and had stored his mind 
with their beauties, which his refined and discrim- 
inating taste taught him to appreciate with singular 
accuracy and apply with the happiest effect." His 
death occurred on the 2nd of September, 1827, at 
the age of 78. 

The Hon. Joseph Allen was twice married, and 
the father of a numerous family. His second wife, 
the mother of most of his children, was Dorothy 
Kingsbury of East Hartford. She was descended 
from the Wolcott and Pitkin families, long celebrated 
in the public service of Connecticut. 

George Allen was born in Worcester on the first 
day of February, 1792. He was early instructed in 
the rudiments at the village school, learning to read 
and write, after which he received no systematic 
training for several years. He had, however, a nat- 
ural taste for literature, and acquired much informa- 
tion by reading in his father's library, which com- 
prised a valuable collection of the works of the best 
Enoflish and classical authors. With most of these 
he became familiar, and he could to the end of his 
life recall with wonderful fidelity the results of this 
experience. Opportunities for mental culture opened 



I 2 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 

to him in another way : his home by reason of his 
father's official position, open hospitaHty and well 
known scholarly tastes, was the resort of many of 
the distinguished judges, lawyers and men of learn- 
ing- who visited the town to attend the courts ; and in 
their conversation, manners and characteristics he 
was supplied with the best models of the time. 

In 1807, George, at the age of fifteen, and with 
less than the usual attainments in the ordinary 
branches, became a student at Leicester Academy, 
then under the able direction of Zephaniah Swift 
Moore. Among his classmates at this institution 
were Gov. John Davis and Gen. Nathan Heard, In 
1809, after thorough preparation, he entered Yale 
College, and graduated in the class of 18 13, which 
included Aug-ustus B. Long-street, Elisha Mitchell, 
Denison Olmstead, George E. Badger, Elias K. 
Kane, Thomas P. Devereux and other distinguished 
names. Reminiscences of some of these are given 
in another part of this volume. 

After leaving- collecre Mr. Allen lived for a time 
in Hartford, where he began the study of theology. 
The year 18 15 he passed in his native town. About 
this time he married his cousin Eliza Pitkin, daughter 
of Elisha Pitkin of Enfield, Conn., whom he survived 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. I 3 

many years. Of their children, one only — George 
Allen, Jr., for many years master of the Hancock 
School, Boston, — reached maturity. 

Mr. Allen resumed the study of his profession 
with the Rev. Dr. Andrew Yates at Union College, 
Schenectady. In 1816, he was engaged for some 
months in teaching school at Albany, where he made 
the acquaintance of Martin Van Buren, Benjamin F. 
Butler and other prominent persons. He was li- 
censed to preach in 18 17, and soon entered upon 
his work as a missionary in western New York. His 
circuit comprised the territory then known as the 
"Holland Purchase." 

In 1 8 19, Mr. Allen preached at Waterloo, and the 
succeeding two years at Aurora, where he accepted 
a call to settle ; but after several examinations, was 
rejected by the council, as he was considered un- 
sound on some minor point of doctrine. He re- 
turned to Albany, and soon after received an invita- 
tion from the church in Shrewsbury to become the 
colleague of the venerable Rev. Joseph Sumner, 
D. D., which he accepted. Mr. Allen was ordained 
in Shrewsbury on the 19th of November, 1823, and 
here he remained seventeen years, becoming pastor 
of the church on the death of Dr. Sumner in 1825. 



14 PIOGRArillCAL SKETCH. 

The period covered by Mr. Allen's pastorate at 
Shrewsbury was the most active and useful one of 
his life. He was then in the prime of manhood. 
His occupation and surroundings were congenial to 
his tastes. The discharge of his professional duties 
consumed but a portion of his time, and he was af- 
forded abundant leisure for study and improvement. 
From his early years Mr. Allen had taken a deep 
interest in moral and political reforms ; and events 
now took place which called his peculiar powers into 
action. A few years after his return to Massachu- 
setts the country was excited by the murder of Wil- 
liam Morgan, w^ho, it w^as alleged, had been put to 
death by Freemasons for disclosing the secrets of 
their order. Mr. Allen had, while in western New 
York, lived near the scene of the tragedy, and knew 
several of the parties concerned. He had, however, 
other and better reasons for opposing the organiza- 
tion ; and he took an active and prominent part in 
the agitation which for some years commanded pub- 
lic attention. One of the productions of his pen at 
this time was brought to the notice of John Ouincy 
Adams, and secured to him the lifelong friendship 
of that distinguished statesman. In his opposition 
to Freemasonry Mr. Allen was actuated by no ul- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. I 5 

terior purpose, as was the case with poHticians and 
others ; and he entertained to the end of his hfe a 
behef that all secret societies were pernicious in 
their influences. 

Another matter of deeper import demanded con- 
sideration. Mr. Allen had for a long time viewed 
with concern the overreaching policy of the Slave- 
holders, and the pliant acquiescence of the North in 
their most insolent demands. He was among the 
few who from the first comprehended the danger, 
and prophesied the conflict that was to follow. He 
saw clearly, apart from the moral aspect, that slavery 
if not eradicated, was destined to break up the Gov- 
ernment ; and he bent his energies to the task of 
arousing the people to a sense of their peril. He 
wielded a vigorous pen, and was master of a clear, 
concise and forcible style ; and during the thirty 
years preceding the Rebellion his contributions to 
the public press in behalf of the great principles at 
issue would fill volumes. He was also the author 
of several pamphlets of uncommon merit which had 
wide circulation, and efficiently aided the cause of 
freedom. Most of his writings were published 
anonymously, for he had a dread of notoriety, and 
never wrote for effect, or for the purpose of drawing 



1 6 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 

attention to himself. He had little sympathy with 
the ultra Abolitionists and their sensational methods ; 
and allied himself with the practical and deter- 
mined workers in the cause. 

In the year 1837, mainly through the efforts of 
Mr. Allen, the ministers of the county were called 
to meet in convention to express their sentiments 
on the subject of slavery. The meeting was held in 
Worcester on the 7th of December, nearly all de- 
nominations being represented. Mr. Allen, as chair- 
man of a committee of the convention, reported a 
"Declaration of Sentiments on American Slavery," 
which set forth in a clear and forcible manner the 
evils of the system, and the duties of the clergy in 
regard to it. After a lengthy debate, action was 
indefinitely postponed; but the object for which they 
had assembled was saved from defeat by Mr. Allen, 
who secured, by an appeal of great earnestness and 
power, the appointment of a committee to report a 
modified declaration at a future meeting. The con- 
vention re-assembled on the i6th of January, 1838. 
and the amended report was adopted by a large 
majority. This result, by inducing similar action 
elsewhere, was of inestimable value to the cause. 
The proceedings of this convention and Mr. Allen's 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. I 7 

"Declaration," were separately printed, and did good 
service as anti-slavery tracts. 

While devoting so much time and effort to mat- 
ters of general concern, Mr. Allen in no way neglect- 
ed the people of his charge ; but was ever faithful in 
the performance of his duties as a Christian minister 
and pastor of a church. His relations with his par- 
ish in Shrewsbury were mainly pleasant, and the 
time passed here was a season of usefulness to others 
and enjoyment to himself. Difficulties of a per- 
sonal nature led to his retirement, and in 1840 he 
was dismissed at his own request. Severe domestic 
affliction came upon him at this time ; but in all his 
troubles he was sustained by a firm faith, rare pa- 
tience, and that unyielding fortitude for which he 
was ever distinguished. 

In 1843, Mr. Allen accepted the position of chap- 
lain at the State Lunatic Hospital in Worcester, and 
officiated in that capacity, with some intervals of rest, 
until his eightieth birthday in 1872. In the mean- 
time his interest in political matters continued un- 
abated, and he worked in various ways to further 
the cause of freedom until its great ends were ac- 
complished. His retiring disposition usually kept 
him in the background, but he was an efficient or- 



1 8 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 

ganizer, and could direct and control the efforts of 
others. The value of his counsel was acknowledged 
by many of the anti-slavery leaders, and they fre- 
quendy relied upon his advice. Had he possessed 
ambition in any degree he might have enrolled his 
name with the foremost ; as it was, others received 
credit for much that originated with him. His broth- 
er, the Hon. Charles Allen,'"" who, as an uncom- 
promising advocate of freedom, may justly be ranked 
with Giddings, Hale, Chase, Sumner and Wilson, 
was much indebted to him for wise counsel, words 
of encouragement, and sustaining aid through the 
great political movements in which he bore so con- 
spicuous a part. 



* Charles Allen, a younger brother of Rev. George Allen, was 
born in Worcester, August 9, 1797. He studied law, and began 
practice in New Braintree, but soon returned to Worcester. He 
was a member of the Massachusetts Legislature for several years, 
serving in both branches ; a member of the Northeastern Boundary 
Commission in 1842 ; Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, 1842 
to 1844 ; and Member of Congress, 1849 to 1853. He was a del- 
egate to the Whig Convention of 184S, and with Henry Wilson, 
repudiated the nomination of Zachary Taylor. On the death of 
Chief Justice Shaw, Judge Allen was appointed to succeed him, 
l)ut declined the honor. He was Chief Justice of the Superior 
Court from 1859 to 1S67. He died in Worcester on the 6lh of 
.'\ugust, 1869. Ill health restricted his powers through life. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. I 9 

Mr. Allen aided in the formation of the Free Soil 
party, acting in the primary meetings and conven- 
tions, and writing much for the press. He was the 
author of the celebrated resolution of 1848, which 
was offered at a meeting held in Worcester on the 
2 1 St of June, preliminary to the state convention of 
those opposed to the nominations of Cass and Tay- 
lor. It was in the following- words : 

"Resolved, That Massachusetts wears no chains, and spurns all 
bribes ; that Massachusetts goes now, and will ever go, for free soil 
and free men, for free lips and a free press, for a free land and a 
free world." 

This resolution was received with great enthu- 
siasm, and was adopted by meetings throughout the 
state. 

In other matters concerning human progress Mr. 
Allen was not less active. Of these, temperance 
early engaged his attention. At the time he entered 
the ministry spirituous liquor was habitually used 
at church gatherings, religious councils, ordinations 
and funerals. He at once saw that no reform was 
to be expected among the people so long as their 
public teachers and spiritual guides were open trans- 
gressors ; and he totally abandoned the use of in- 
toxicating drinks, and exerted himself among the 



20 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 

members of his profession to induce like action on 
their part. He strongly discountenanced the scan- 
dalous practice of drinking at funerals, and the cus- 
tom, in the light of a growing sentiment in favor of 
temperance, soon died out. All enterprises of a 
benevolent character he aided to the extent of his 
means ; and was ever devising methods for the re- 
lief of those in distress. He always maintained an 
active interest in all things relating to the conduct 
of his profession ; and was a prominent participant 
in councils, religious conventions and assemblies of 
like character. He entered to some extent into 
doctrinal discussion, for v/hich his studies and habits 
of mind well qualified him ; and he published some 
controversial writings. During the last twenty years 
of his life he devoted much time to the elucidation 
of certain passages in Scripture ; but failing sight and 
the infirmities of age prevented the accomplish- 
ment of what had been a life purpose. 

With the close of the Rebellion, Mr. Allen wit- 
nessed the triumph of those principles for which he 
had, during so many years, faithfully labored. His 
work was soon finished. The remainder of his life, 
after the final relinquishment of his active duties, 
was passed in the quiet enjoyment of a serene old 
age. His last years were made comfortable and 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 21 

happy by the faithful care of a devoted niece, who 
was to him all that a dauo-hter could have been. 

He retained an interest in public affairs to the 
end ; and, until within a year or two of his death, 
frequently attended political and other meetings. 
His retentive memory, reaching back into the last 
century, was replete with reminiscence of men and 
events ; and his recollections of the past and state- 
ments of fact were always listened to with the closest 
attention. His form bent with age, his almost sight- 
less eyes, his neat attire, and his uniform courtesy 
and dignity of manner commanded the respect and 
veneration of all. 

On the 23rd of January, 1882, a few days before 
his ninetieth birthday, Mr. Allen met with a severe 
accident by falling, the consequence of which was a 
fracture of the thigh bone. It was at first thought 
that this would result fatally, but he soon recovered, 
and after confinement for a few months, was seen 
upon the streets as usual. But during the last year, 
although the vigor of his mind was not seriously im- 
paired, his powers gradually failed, and after a brief 
and painless illness, he quietly passed away. His 
death occurred on the 31st of March, 1883, at the 
age of ninety-one years and two months. 



22 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 

The funeral was held at the Old South Church on 
the afternoon of Wednesday, April 4th, and was at- 
tended by a large gathering, which included many 
of the older citizens of Worcester. The service 
was simple and a[3proprIate. The Scripture se- 
lections were read by the Rev. J. F. Lovering, pas- 
tor of the church. The Rev. C. M. Lamson speak- 
ing for the local ministers, said that the life of the 
deceased had taught them all the meaning of loyalty. 
He was a clear-visioned man ; he saw the truth 
steadily, and to that he was loyal. He was as a 
child in the purity of his life ; he was a scholar, a 
gentleman and a Christian. His passing away from 
earth was simply the coronation of a pure life ; he 
did not die. but fell asleep with his God. 

The Rev. Dr. S. G. Buckingham of Springfield, 
in speaking of the life work of Mr. Allen, said that 
he was born in the last century ; a boy of seven when 
Washington died ; graduated at Yale College sev- 
enty years ago, and under the presidency of Dr. 
Dwight ; a young man in our war with Great Britain 
of 181 2 and during the great European wars of the 
first Napoleon ; living through the whole Unitarian 
controversy in this state, and holding very definite 
though quite liberal views, as they were then re- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 23 

garded, in respect to it ; witnessing the whole anti- 
slaver}7 struggle in this country, and having an im- 
portant influence in it, living to see that struggle 
end in emancipation, and the embittered north and 
south, after a bloody civil war, united again in their 
interests and fundamental opinions and esteem. 
Having seen also the great enterprise of modern 
missions begun and successfully carried forward till 
it promises the complete evangelization of the world ; 
and seen also the countless philanthropic enterprises 
of the present generation, and their promise for the 
future. This makes a long life, and one connected 
with the great events of the whole century. He 
was a scholar — a rare scholar, and in many depart- 
ments of scholarship. His acquaintance with the 
ancient Latin and Greek classics was wide and exact, 
always referring to them and quoting them with de- 
light, while his familiarity with the old English writers 
was just as broad and delightful to him. He was a 
rare theologian, acquainted with the doctrines held 
by the church at different periods, and knowing how 
they had been modified and also where they needed 
to be modified still more to accord with the teach- 
ing of the Scriptures. His acquaintance with the 
Bible and delight in it were marvellous. His fa- 



24 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 

miliarity with the New Testament in the original was 
so great that he admitted that if it was lost he could 
furnish most of it from memory in the Greek. It 
was his "meditation all the day," and with the critical 
faculty of an exegete was combined the believing 
and loving heart of a saint. He was a great lover 
of books, and of the best books. Any one who ever 
visited him in his own library, and saxv how he could 
refer to any volume, and tell you everything in it, 
when his siofht had failed him and he could not dis- 
cern a title or read a line, can only understand how 
much this meant. He was a great antiquarian, with 
broad and exact knowledge of this kind, remarkably 
well acquainted with New England history and fam- 
ilies, and an authority with his brethren in the min- 
istry as to all ecclesiastical principles and practices 
and precedents. He could write poetry, and he did 
write prose, with a clearness, force and felicity such 
as only rare genius and high culture could have pro- 
duced. Great was he as a scholar in his nature and 
acquisitions. His character was as rare as his in- 
tellectual qualities. Noble, generous, truth-loving, 
perfectly chivalrous in his defence of truth, and in 
his championship of the rights of those who were 
oppressed or wronged, he always seemed like a 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 25 

Christian knight bound to deliver the Holy Sepul- 
chre from the hands of infidels. His position on 
the subject of slavery, and the part he took in that 
long, fierce conflict, and that very sentence of his 
around which the free soil party of the north crystal- 
lized, should always leave him on a pedestal more 
exalted and enduring than granite. We once asked 
him how he came by that spirit, to which his reply 
was, "My grandmother was the sister of Old Sam 
Adams, that sturdy patriot, and that's the way, I 
suppose I came by it." But this was not all, nor 
the best part of his character, for, while he could be 
the reformer when necessary, and contend as stur- 
dily as anybody for truth and justice, in domestic 
life he was as lovely as a child, while in social inter- 
course, the brightest, most genial, generous possible. 
Years ago, when he was pastor of the church in 
Shrewsbury, we remember to have thought that 
parsonage an ideal one. Looking off from that hill- 
top, with his wife and children about him, and a large 
and intelligent congregation listening to him, it 
seemed as if such influence and love and happiness 
ought to satisfy any mortal. They did satisfy him, 
so long as he was permitted to enjoy them. But 
when approaching blindness compelled him to relin- 



26 BIOGRArinCAL SKETCH. 

quish his parish, when bereavement robbed him of 
his wife and all his children, he was still the same 
submissive, lovable and loving man he ever had 
been. He was put into the furnace again and again, 
and each time it was hotter, still the purifier of sil- 
ver was always watching the process, and he only 
came out all the purer. It is difficult, my hearers, 
for you to realize what our friend was in this com- 
munity forty years ago. Since then he has sunk 
into almost complete blindness, and the three score 
years, and even four score, with their infirmities, 
long since came to him. And as you have seen his 
venerable form and classic face upon the street, and 
looked upon them wnth reverence if not with admira- 
tion, you have probably never realized what a place 
he once filled among his brethren in the ministry ; 
among the lawyers of this city, to which profession 
his father and brother belonged, and of which he 
almost seemed a member ; in every intellectual and 
refined circle ; and not less among the humble and 
the sad, where his master would have been found. 
But he has finished his work, and ended his life on 
earth at last. We are glad that it is so. "I would 
not live always." Like David, "having served his 
generation by the will of God. he has fallen asleep, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 27 

and is now to be laid unto his fathers." God's saints 
never die. They fall asleep in Christ, but only to 
live again and live to serve and enjoy him eternally. 
We are not pagans, but ours is a Christian faith 
and a Christian hope, and in this faith we bury our 
friends, and comfort our hearts as we commit them 
to the grave. 

" Immortal is my friend I know ; — 
Not summer turf, nor winter's snow, 
Nor depth of earth, could turn to nought 
So much of life and love and thought." 

The Rev. W. A. Houghton of Berlin, in his re- 
marks spoke of his early acquaintance with Mr. 
Allen, and of the influence his Christian life had in 
shaping his own future course. He referred to Mr. 
Allen's power in theological discussions, of his love 
of right and justice, alluding in this connection to 
his influence in changing public sentiment on the 
slavery question. His brother, Charles Allen, was 
a member of Congress, and when other true and 
tried men faltered in their struggles with the slave 
power, he remained firm. These brothers were as 
one in the fight for the right, and their influence 
was great. He spoke of Mr. Allen's friendships, 
and of the charms of his conversation, calling- him 
in the latter regard, "The American Coleridge." 



2 8 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 

Prayer was offered by the Rev. G. W. Phillips, 
and after singing by the choir of the favorite hymn 
of the deceased, "PIl pi-aise my Maker with my 
breath," the benediction was pronounced. The re- 
mains were taken to Shrewsbury for interment. 

On the Sunday following the funeral, a memorial 
sermon was preached at the Old South Church by 
the Rev. Mr. Lovering, in which he described the 
character and some of the personal traits of Mr. 
Allen, and gave a feeling account of his last hours. 



The personal characteristics of the Rev. George 
Allen formed a rare combination. His intellectual 
qualities were of a high order. In scholarship his 
attainments were thorough ; and his performances 
were marked by an exactness in thought and lan- 
guage seldom exhibited even among the best writers. 
His power of expression was wonderful. In literary 
matters his taste was discriminating and his judg- 
ment sound. His memory was unusually retentive, 
and his extensive information made him an authority. 
In conversation his powers were unexcelled. He 
had a keen appreciation of humor, and his wit was 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 29 

at once refined and pungent. His social qualities 
would have made him shine in any company. 

He was a man of individuality, with well defined 
views of his own on every subject that merited his 
consideration ; and, although of a diffident disposi- 
tion, he never hesitated to give expression to his 
opinions whenever he felt that duty required it. He 
was a born democrat, and manifested his predilec- 
tions in an unmistakable manner. In relieion he 
was extremely liberal for one who professed the Or- 
thodox creed ; and in the interpretation of the es- 
sential points in Scripture he differed widely with 
the majority of his clerical brethren. He was tena- 
cious of his opinions, but he could be convinced of 
error, and was free to make acknowledgment. 

Morally, his character was upright and pure. He 
had a clear perception of right and wrong. In his 
adherence to a principle he was persevering and 
unyielding, and he never compromised with evil in 
any form. His preaching and practice were con- 
sistent in every respect. 

In his intercourse with others he was kind and 
courteous, and in his friendships, firm. He was 
generous and kind-hearted. He was refined in his 
tastes and manners, and in all his habits, a true gen- 
tleman. 



2,0 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 

But there were some elements of harshness in his 
nature, of which combativeness was the most for- 
midable. He had a will that no opposition could 
move, and a spirit that no affliction could crush. 
His treatment of some of his opponents, while he 
could not be accused of injustice, was severe in the 
extreme ; and in the political warfare of years ago 
he was involved in personal and bitter controversies 
with those who carried the marks of his powerful 
blows, and the sting of his keen words to their 
graves. He was at times, perhaps, too exacting in 
his requirements of those with whom he had to deal, 
and too uncharitable in his characterization of their 
shortcomings. On some occasions in his life, mercy 
should have tempered his stern dispensation of jus- 
tice. But all this was of times gone by, and with 
those who knew him in his latter days he left only 
the recollection of a genial and scholarly old man. 

He lived a long and useful life, and he is gone. 
We shall see his face no more. But the memory 
of his good works, his bright example and noble 
character will live with us forever. 



REMINISCENCES. 



REMINISCENCES. 



Early Years. 

My recollection of events at the beginning of this 
century is very clear. At that time the population 
of Worcester numbered about two thousand ; and, 
as is the case in all small towns, the inhabitants were 
well known to each other. I can recall the faces, 
forms and manners of most of the persons who were 
prominent in the town at that day. The first public 
event of which I took notice, was the occasion of the 
funeral honors to Washington, on the 2 2d of Febru- 
ary, 1800. Another incident deeply impressed on 
my mind, was the raising of the bell in the steeple 
of the Old South Church, at which I assisted by 
tugging at the rope with a number of my playmates. 



34 REMINISCENCES. 

I was born in a house that stood on what Is now 
the north corner of Main and School Streets. This 
place my father sold in i 799 to David Curtis * and 
moved to the estate between Elm and Pearl Streets, 
— the present location of Butman Row — which he 
occupied until his death in 1827. This is the home 
with which 1 am most familiar. 

At an early age I was sent to the village school 
kept by Eunice Day, for forty years the schoolma'am 
of the town. Here I learned to read and write. My 
education'in the common branches did not advance 
further for some years. At the age of fifteen I knew 
nothing of grammar or geography, and but a little 
arithmetic which my uncle Samuel f had taught me. 
I had, however, acquired a stock of general infor- 
mation by reading, for I was from the first a great 
lover of books. My father possessed a large col- 
lection for those days, and from it I gleaned a deal 
of knowledge that has proved of lasting benefit to 
me. 



* David Curtis was grandfather of George William Curtis, 
t Samuel Allen, the County Treasurer. 



REMINISCENCES. 35 

The reason for this seeming neglect of my edu- 
cation was the wretched condition of the schools ; 
and my father waited from year to year in expecta- 
tion of a change for the better, toward which he gave 
his best efforts. Finally, in 1807, I was sent to 
Leicester Academy. 

As a child 1 took great interest in public affairs, 
and was an attentive listener to the discussions of 
my elders upon these matters. The political fever 
ran high at that time, and the feeling between the 
two parties was very bitter. I remember the intense 
excitement following the duel of Hamilton and Burr. 
It made a deep impression on my mind. The cam- 
paigns of Napoleon and other movements in Europe 
I watched with a keen interest. I well remember 
when the' news of the battle of Trafalgar and the 
death of Nelson was received. 

Among my playmates during my boyhood, was 
Thomas Gardner Mower, since Surgeon General of 
the United States Army. He was a nephew of 



36 REMINISCENCES. 

Ephraim Mower who kept the tavern, and by whom 
he was brought up. Another playmate was Adam 
Walker, who served as drummer in the company 
enlisted here in i8i i for the frontier war. He par- 
ticipated in the battle of Tippecanoe, and was after- 
wards included in Hull's surrender and sent to Hal- 
ifax. He published a book* severely criticising" 
Hull's conduct. 

Connecticut Ancestry. 

I am connected on my mother's side with both 
the Wolcott and Pitkin families of Connecticut. It 
is said that these families and their connections 
have supplied to that state thirty governors and 
twenty- nine judges. 

My wife belonged to the same family. Her grand- 
father Pitkin would have been made governor of 
Connecticut, had not his wife been a Methodist. 
She refused to attend the regular form of worship. 



*"Journal of Two Campaigns of the Fourth Regiment of United 
States Infantry, in the Michigan and Indiana Territories, in 1811- 
12. By Adam Walker. Keene, N. H., 1816." i2mo, pp. 143. 



REMINISCENCES. 37 

and went to meetings of her own denomination. A 
prominent man used his influence against Mr. Pit- 
kin, and defeated him with the argument that it was 
not wise to encourage the Separatists, notwithstand- 
ing that Pitkin himself attended the estabhshed 
church. 

Samuel Adams. 

I was in Boston the year before Samuel Adams 
died. My father, who was unable to visit him at 
this time, urged me to go to his house and make 
myself known to him. My natural bashfulness re- 
strained me, and I lost, to my lasting regret, the 
only opportunity of seeing and conversing with my 
distinguished relative. 

Adams left his papers arranged in good order, 
but after his death they were scattered. Samuel 
Adams Wells collected all that could be found, at 
great expense of money and effort, with the inten- 
tion of writing the life of his grandfather. These 
papers comprised public documents, letters from 
many of the prominent men of the time, and thou- 



38 REMINISCENCES. 

sands of pages of Adams's own writing : an inval- 
uable mass of historical material. Mr. Wells did 
not live to accomplish his purpose. A short time 
before his death he sent for me, offered me the 
papers, and requested me to undertake the work. 
This was during my pastorate at Shrewsbury, and 
uncertain health, with other obstacles, forced me to 
decline what would have been a congenial task. 

On my refusal, Mr. Wells would have given the 
papers to Edward Everett, but for my remonstrance. 
I did not consider Everett a suitable person to write 
the life of Samuel Adams. Finally, the papers were 
committed to the care of Georo-e Bancroft, who en- 
gaged to carry out the wishes of Mr. Wells, and 
prepare the matter for publication. Mr. Bancroft 
made use of the papers in compiling his History 
of the United States, but was unable to fulfill his 
promise to write the life. After many years of de- 
lay, the work was accomplished by W illiam V. Wells, 
who undertook it with misgivings. The result, how- 
ever, was a creditable piece of biography. 

My father was present on the occasion noted in 



REMINISCENCES. 39 

the Life of Adams, when he characterized FrankHn 
in a singular manner. Some time after the "Tea 
Party," Mr. Bromfield, a prominent merchant of 
Boston, called upon Mr. Adams at his house to 
inquire for news from abroad. Adams read to him 
a letter just received from Franklin, in which he ad- 
vised the Bostonians to pay for the tea destroyed. 
Adams said, "Dr. Franklin may be a great philos- 
opher, but he is a bungling politician." This opin- 
ion was not justified by Franklin's subsequent career. 
I gave this anecdote to Wells. 

In 1776, 

when my father became Clerk of the Courts for this 
county, the office was worth not more than twenty 
pounds a year. When he resigned it in 1810, it had 
become very lucrative. While in office he enter- 
tained many of the judges and distinguished lawyers 
who had business before the courts. 

Francis Dana, 

the Chief Justice, Theophilus Parsons and Artemas 
Ward made my father's house their home during the 



40 REMINISCENCES. 

court sessions. Dana* was over-dignified in man- 
ner, and very aristocratic in feeling. I remember 
his takino- me in his arms on one occasion when I 
was quite young, and presenting me with a silver 
dollar — the first I ever possessed. My recollection 
of his son, Richard Henry Dana, the poet, is not so 
pleasant : he once ruined a fine beaver hat of mine 
by sitting on it, for which he offered no apology. 
I told him that he was no gentleman. 

Theophilus Parsons. 

Another familiar figure in my mind is that of 
Theophilus Parsons. f He was a coarse looking 
man, rather untidy in his dress. In his lifetime he 
was considered the most learned lawyer in the coun- 
try. His knowledge of the law was truly wonderful, 
yet he was credited more than was due. In every 



* Francis Dana was born in 1743, and died in 181 1. He was 
a member of the Continental Congress ; and in 1780 was a])i)oint- 
ed Minister to Russia, where he remained three years. He was 
Chief Justice of Massachusetts from 1792 to 1806. 

t Theophilus Parsons was born in 1750, and died in 1S13. He 
succeeded Dana as Chief Justice in 1806. 



REMINISCENCES. 4 1 

case tried before him he seemed familiar with all the 
points, and would refer the lawyers to authorities 
without number, giving the volume, page, and place 
on the page, to their great astonishment. But after 
my father's death, there were found among his pa- 
pers, letters from Parsons requesting synopses of 
the cases about to be tried before him. This, it 
appeared, had been his custom with all the clerks in 
the state ; and he was thereby enabled to prepare 
himself, as a student for his recitation. 

Parsons has, I think, been much overrated. He 
belonged to a class — the Unitarians — whose aim it 
was to magnify to the utmost all of its adherents. 

Artemas Ward. 

General Ward'^ of Shrewsbury frequently visited 
my father. He had no command of language — was 
hesitating in his speech. The address to the insur- 



* Artemas Ward was born in 1727 and died in 1800. He was 
first Major General of the Revolutionary Army, but soon retired. 
He was a member of the Legislature sixteen years, and for four 
years a Representative in Congress. 



42 REMINISCENCES. 

gents in Worcester during Shays's Rebellion, which 
Lincoln prints in his "History" as having been made 
by Ward, is purely fictitious. He was incapable of 
such an effort. Ward was a man of incorruptible 
integrity. Of his bravery there is no question, al- 
though Washington accused him of cowardice in 
leaving the service before Boston. 

Benjamin Stone, the first preceptor of Leicester 
Academy, gave me the following account of Ward's 
misunderstanding with Washington. Soon after the 
establishment of the Government at New York, 
Ward, then a member of Congress, came into pos- 
session of a letter written by Washington, in which 
the offensive charge was made. He immediately 
proceeded to the President's house, placed the paper 
before him, and asked him if he was the author of 
it. Washington looked at the letter and made no 
reply. Ward said, "I should think that the man 
who was base enough to write that, would be base 
enough to deny it," and abruptly took his leave.* 



* A different account of this affair will be found in Drake's His- 
toric Fields and Mansions of Middlesex, page 260. 



REMINISCENCES. 43 

General Ward was a graduate of Harvard College, 
and possessed considerable learning ; but he often 
expressed himself, both in speaking and writing, in 
an uncouth manner. He began a letter to the Con- 
tinental Congress, "Whereas the army is scant ont 
for clothing," etc. 

Burges — Dexter. 

When Theophilus Parsons came to the bench, 
he compelled the lawyers in their arguments before 
the jury, to plead according to the evidence. This, 
at first, caused considerable indignation ; and Francis 
Blake and Tristam Burges* were badly worsted in 
their attempts to defy the Judge in his own court. 
1 heard Burges try a case in Worcester, in the course 
of which he received an effective reproof from the 
Chief Justice. He had been notorious for his brow- 



* Tristam Burges was one of the ablest lawyers of his time. He 
was born in 1770, and died in 1853. He became Chief Justice 
of Rhode Island in 18 15, and was a Member of Congress from 
1825 to 1835. His encounter with John Randolph gained for him 
much celebrity. 



44 REMINISCENCES. 

beating" of judges In Rhode Island, and his encoun- 
ter with Parsons was, doubtless, a wholesome ex- 
perience. 

While at Leicester Academy, hearing that Samuel 
Dexter^ was engaged in a trial, I walked into Wor- 
cester to hear him ; but the case was put over and 
the opportunity lost. I have always regretted it. 

Isaiah Thomas. 

I knew Isaiah Thomas f well, and when I was in 
Worcester, met him almost daily. He had the man- 
ners and appearance of a gentleman — a little pomp- 
ous, and very neat in his dress. He used to wear 
a blue broadcloth cloak lined with red, which was 
ver}'^ becoming. Of his moral character it can be 



* Samuel Dexter was eminent as a lawyer and statesman. He 
was a Member of Congress, United States Senator, Secretary of 
War, Secretary of the Treasury, and for a short time, Secretary of 
State. He died in 1816, aged 55. 

f Isaiah Thomas was a distinguished patriot, and the publisher 
of the Massacliiisetts Spy. He was the founder and a liberal pa- 
tron of the American Antiquarian Society. He engaged exten- 
sively in the publishing of books in Worcester and elsewhere. 
His death occurred in 18^1. 



REMINISCENCES. 45 

said that there were charges against him other than 
that of hcentiousness, for which he was notorious. 

Of the engraved portraits of Thomas, the old, 
square copperplate is the best and most character- 
istic. I found this plate* in a mass of old metal in 
a locksmith's shop in Worcester, about the year 
1840. I purchased it for a trifle, and after some 
years, presented it to the American Antiquarian 
Society. The Masonic portrait and the one en- 
graved for the History of Printing are weak, without 
the strength of character that he really possessed. 

It has been stated that Thomas was assisted in 
the preparation of his History of Printing by Dr. 
Samuel Stearns. I do not think this is true. The 
person who afforded the most assistance was Wil- 
liam Shelden, an Englishman, and author of a little 
book entitled, "A History of the Heathen Gods," 
which was published by Thomas. 



*This is the identical plate engraved for Joseph T. Buckingham 
from a portrait by Henry Williams. It was first published in the 
Polyanthos, about 1813. See "Personal Memoirs," etc. of Joseph 
T. Buckingham, vol. i, page 60. 



46 REMINISCENCES. 

Benjamin Russell. 

Benjamin Russell,* publisher of the Cohunbian 
Centincl, was an apprentice of Isaiah Thomas. I 
saw him frequently in Worcester, My father sug- 
gested the name "Centinel" for his paper. It was 
first published as the Boston Centinel, and after a 
time "Columbian" substituted, as having a wider 
signification. 

Rev. Aaron Bancroft. 

The Rev. Aaron Bancroft f was a man of uncom- 
mon ability and strength of character. Dignified in 
his manners, he seldom indulged in pleasantry. I 
remember, however, an encounter he had with Sam- 
uel Brazer, the town baker, a noted wag who dealt 
his blows right and left without respect to persons. 
The Doctor had the misfortune, while on a journey. 



* Colonel Benjamin Russell was a prominent journalist and poli- 
tician of the Federal stripe. He was 24 years a Representative of 
Boston in the Legislature. He died in 1845, ^'i'^^ §4- 

fRev. Aaron Bancroft, d. d., was pastor of the second (Unita- 
rian) church in Worcester, from 1786 to 1839. 



REMINISCENCES. 47 

to lose his saddle-bags containing his linen and 
some sermons ; and after his return mentioned the 
circumstance to Brazer, who quickly replied, "If 
your shirts needed mending as much as your ser- 
mons, it was a small loss ! " Sometime after, a 
heavy timber fell upon Brazer's head, and he ex- 
pressed surprise that he had escaped with his life. 
"Why," said Bancroft, "you had the advantage of a 
thick skull ! " 

Dr. Bancroft had a large family, and receiving but 
a small salary, carried on a farm in addition to his 
pastoral duties, I have seen him working in the 
field like a common laborer. 

I remember the day George Bancroft was born, 
and I was in church when he was brought to be 
christened by his father. Judge Bangs held the in- 
fant while the ceremony was performed. George 
was distinguished for his attainments at an early 
age. When six years old, he was, on one occasion, 
called by his father to settle a dispute between Judge 
Parsons and some other learned person, over a point 
in Roman history. 



48 REMINISCENCES. 

Timothy Pickering. 

I had, at Leicester, a brief interview with Timothy 
Pickering-.* I was introduced to him by my sister, 
and our conversation lasted but a few minutes, while 
the stage in which they were passengers was wait- 
ing. His countenance was of the Roman cast, and 
would impress any one. 

Zephaniah Swift Moore. 

I have a pleasant recollection of Zephaniah Swift 
Moore, my preceptor at Leicester Academy. As a 
teacher he was very successful. He afterwards be- 
came the first president of Amherst College, where 
he died suddenly about a year after his installation. 
He was a man of powerful frame. 

William Eaton. 
I met Gen. Eaton f in Worcester soon after his 



* Timothy Pickering was Postmaster General, Secretary of War, 
and Secretary of State under Washington and Adams ; and United 
States Senator from Massachusetts, 1S03-11. He died in 1829. 

tGen. William Eaton, distinguished by his exploits in Tripoli, 



REMINISCENCES. 49 

return from the Barbary States. The portrait pre- 
fixed to his Life pubHshed in Brookfield in 1813, is 
an excellent likeness — his sister told me that it was 
the only true one. 

It is a singular coincidence that Eaton and his 
biographer, Prentiss, were in their younger days 
strict temperance men, yet both died drunkards. 

At Yale. 

I entered Yale College in 1809. In the several 
classes, during the four years I remained there, were 
many who afterwards became distinguished in liter- 
ature, science and politics. My circle of acquaint- 
ance was large — in fact, I knew nearly every one in 
the college. 

In my class 

were George E. Badger, eminent as a statesman and 
jurist ; Augustus B. Longstreet, author of "Georgia 



was born in 1764, and died in 181 1. Charles Prentiss, his bi- 
ographer, was a writer and journaHst of some note. He died in 
1820, at the age of 46. 



50 REMINISCENCES. 

Scenes"; Elias Kent Kane, the first senator from 
Illinois ; Alexander M. Fisher, naturalist, who was 
drowned off the coast of Ireland in 1822 ; Thomas 
P. Devereux, judge ; Denison Olmsted, scientist ; 
and others of lesser note. Of other classes, I es- 
pecially remember Samuel F. B, Morse, Francis 
Granger, Roger Sherman Baldwin, Joshua Leavitt, 
Samuel S. Phelps, John Davis, Joseph E. Worces- 
ter, James G. Percival, John M. Clayton and Charles 
J. Lanman. I was intimate with most of these. 
I first met 

Samuel F. B. Morse 

at a party given by a daughter of Judge Ingersoll, 
then called the Belle of Connecticut. Morse dressed 
like a dandy, but was sensible in conversation. He 
was not a man of positive character.* 

Francis Granger, 
of the class of 18 11, I knew well. He was a son of 



*Mr. Allen contributed a sketch of Prof. Morse and his inven- 
tion to the National Memorial in 1872. 



REMINISCENCES. 5 1 

Gideon Granger, Postmaster General under Jeffer- 
son and Madison. Francis was appointed to the 
same office by Harrison. In college he was fat and 
lazy for one of his age, and we nicknamed him 
"Spud." He had, however, a quick mind, and was 
something of a wag. He was expelled from college 
for breaking a tutor's windows. In later years he 
overcame his indolence and gross habit.* 

Samuel S. Phelps, 

afterwards United States Senator from Vermont, 
was a brilliant scholar. I was very intimate with 
him. 

Joseph E. Worcester 

I met often. He was a profound and thorough 
scholar. He assisted in the preparation of Web- 
ster's dictionaries, and finally made one of his own. 
The fact that his work was patronized by Harvard 
College gave the impression that he was an alumnus 



*Mr. Granger died in 1868, aged 76. 



52 REMINISCENCES. 

of that institution. Notwithstanding the many mer- 
its of his dictionary, Webster's is the great author- 
ity, in England as well as America. 

Badger — Devereux. 

George E. Badger was introduced by Webster to 
Judge Story as "Your equal and my superior." 
Badorer and Devereux were both fine men intel- 

o 

lectually. They loved the Union and supported 
secession because they could not do otherwise.* 

Anderson Bagley 

of my class, was a native of North Carolina. Of 
active mind, he overworked his feeble physical pow- 
ers, and died about a month after graduation. His 
disease was consumption. He had the promise of 
an election to Congress by the citizens of his district 
in North Carolina. 



* George E. Badger was born in Newbern, N. C, April 13, 1795, 
and died at Raleigh, May 11, 1866. He was Judge of the Supreme 
Court of N. C, 1820-25 ; Secretary of the Navy, 1841 ; and U. S. 
Senator from 1846 to 1854. Thomas P. Devereux was a distin- 
guished lawyer and judge of North Carolina. He died in 1869. 



REMINISCENCES. 5 3 

Denison Olmsted 

was a mild mannered man, and timid ; but when he 
had made up his mind, was quite sure to be right. 

Joshua Leavitt 

became a lecturer of great power ; and as an editor 
he exhibited uncommon ability. John C. Calhoun 
characterized the "Emancipator" as the ablest jour- 
nal in the country. Archibald Alexander, president 
of Princeton College, a strong pro-slavery man, said 
there was no paper he hated as he did the "Eman- 
cipator"; yet he always desired to read it. 

Leavitt censured me for the character I gave Dan- 
iel Webster in my "Complaint of Mexico." He 
thought I conceded too much, and allowed him a 
higher position than he deserved. I do not think 
so. Webster had a noble soul, but it was ruined by 
his ambition. I think him our greatest man. 

Chauncey A. Goodrich 

of the class of 1810, I used to visit often at his fath- 
er's house. He married one of Noah Webster's 



54 REMINISCENCES. 

dauehters — "Noah's doves," as the students called 
them. Goodrich assisted his father-in-law in the 
preparation of his dictionary. 

John M. Clayton, 

the distinguished Delaware statesman, was a fine 
scholar in college, and received the first honors of 
his class. In after years he became a warm friend 
of my brother Charles.* 

John Davis 

belonged to the class of 1812. In public life he was, 
in a certain sense, one of our strong men ; but his 
ability was mostly in his discretion. His reputation 
for honesty has been exaggerated. "'Honest JoJin 
Davis',' said Henry Clay, "I say, Cunning yoJui 

Fox.r 

Davis possessed, at one time, considerable wealth, 
which was diminished by injudicious speculation. 



* John M. Clayton was for many years a Senator from Delaware ; 
and, as Secretary of State, negotiated the famous Clayton-Bulwer 
treaty in 1850. He died in 1856. 



REMINISCENCES. 55 

He was ambitious of the vice-presidency in 1848, 
but Abbott Lawrence run him off the track.* 

Edward Savage. 

At New Haven I became acquainted with Savage, 
the Princeton artist and portrait painter, who en- 
graved the rare portrait of Washington pubHshed in 
London about the year 1791. He remained for 
some time at my boarding place, and as my room 
had the best hght, he made use of it to copy a por- 
trait of Roger Sherman. I found him an agreeable 
person. 

Savapfe was associated with Greenwood in the 
ownership of the Columbian Museum in Boston 
during the early part of the century. Greenwood 
painted the portraits of the Rev. Dr. Sumner of 
Shrewsbury, and the Rev. Peter Whitney of North- 
borough, from which the engravings were made. 
He belonged to Hubbardston. 



*John Davis was eight years a Representative in Congress, four 
years Governor of Massachusetts, and fourteen years a Senator. 
He was born in 1787, and died April 19, 1854. 



56 REMINISCENCES. 

John Pierpont 

and myself boarded at the same place in New Ha- 
ven. He, at that time, had charge of two sons of 
Gov. Allston of South Carolina, whose tutor he had 
been in the South, They were relatives of Wash- 
ington Allston, the celebrated artist. Pierpont be- 
gan the study of law at Litchfield, and married a 
Miss Lord of that town. In later years he was dis- 
tinguished as a clergyman, lecturer and poet. 

Litchfield was called by Fisher Ames the "Athens 
of America." It contained in his day the only law 
school in the country, and a celebrated seminary 
for young ladies. Many of the law students found 
their wives in this town. 

Pierrepont Edwards. 

At New Haven I occasionally saw Pierrepont Ed- 
wards, the talented and brilliant lawyer and noto- 
rious libertine of Connecticut. His licentiousness 
was, I think, the natural reaction from his over-strict 
early training. He exhibited much of his father's 



REMINISCENCES. 57 

genius, and a measure was transmitted to his child- 
ren. One of his natural sons became a distin- 
guished historian, and the president of one of our 
best known colleges. 

Edwards, at a tavern where he shared his room 
with a friend, was taken violently ill in the night ; 
and being frightened exclaimed, "I shall die and go 
to hell!" His friend, who awaked just in time to 
hear the prophecy, replied, ''Plato, tJioti reasonest 
luell.r''^ 

Incidents at New Haven. 

While at New Haven, I, on one occasion, climbed 
up the face of East Rock, about three hundred feet 
— a very dangerous exploit. I was with Elisha 
Mitchell t of my class, and we were in search of the 



* Pierrepont Edwards was a son of the celebrated Jonathan Ed- 
wards. He served as a soldier in the Revolution, was a member 
of the Old Congress, and an able advocate of the Constitution in 
the convention held to ratify it. He became Judge of the U. S. 
District Court. His death occurred in 1826, at the age of 76. 

t Elisha Mitchell, D. D. was an able preacher, and a geologist of 
some fame. He lost his life on Black Mountain, N. C. in 1857. 



58 REMINISCENCES. 

m\x\^X2\ prehnite, which was to be found in the basalt 
of which the chff was composed. 

I visited West Rock one warm Sunday in January, 
1810, and found a native cactus in bloom. I went 
to the "Judges' Cave," where the regicides Goffe 
and Whalley were once concealed. The rocks were 
covered with inscriptions and mottoes. One, I re- 
member, was, "Resistance to tyrants is obedience 
to God." 

My portrait was painted on ivory by Wood, the 
celebrated artist in that line, in 18 12. All his por- 
traits were exquisite in design and finish. He paint- 
ed among others, Dolly Madison and John Ran- 
dolph, for which he was paid two hundred dollars 
each. His price for mine was fifty dollars, which 
did not include the gold setting. 

William Ellery. 

William Ellery of Rhode Island resided in Wor- 
cester with his daughter, the wife of William Sted- 
man, during the War of 181 2 ; and I frequently met 
him after my return from New Haven. He was a 



REMINISCENCES. 59 

noble looking old man, his age at this time being 
between eighty and ninety years. I often played 
backgammon with him, and found great enjoyment 
in his society. He was a fine scholar, and his love 
for the classics increased with age : he died with 
De Senectide in his hand.* 

The Great Gale. 

I was in Worcester at the time of the Great Gale 
of September, 1815. The wind blew from the south- 
east ; and sea gulls, unable to breast it, were carried 
from Narraganset Bay as far north as Sterling, 
Mass., a distance of more than fifty miles inland. 
Salt spray from the ocean beat against the window 
panes of my father's house. Thousands of large 
forest trees were uprooted ; and when I went to 
Shrewsbury eight years later, part of my firewood 
came from this source. 

Martin Van Buren. 

While teaching school in Albany in 18 16, I passed 



*William Ellery was one of the "Signers." He died in 1820. 



60 REMINISCENCES. 

much of my leisure time in the office of Martin Van 
Buren, then Attorney General of the State of New 
York. I became well acquainted with him, and he 
invited me to occupy a seat in his pew in church, 
which I did. I remember John Van Buren as a lit- 
tle boy about his father's office. 

The Rev. Dr. Chester of Albany said to me on 
one occasion about this time, as Van Buren passed 
us on the street, "That man is destined to be Pres- 
ident of the United States," — a prophecy that was 
fulfilled. 

Van Buren's abilities were of a high character. 
In politics he was obliged to finesse in order to over- 
come his opponents, but his talent for intriguing 
has been greatly over-estimated. In private life he 
was an amiable and worthy man. 

Benjamin F. Butler. 

My most intimate friend in Albany was Benjamin 
F. Butler, afterwards Attorney General in Van Bu- 
ren's cabinet. He was a man of high character and 
rare accomplishments. 



REMINISCENCES. 6 1 

Barnabas Bidwell. 

About this time I became acquainted with Barn- 
abas Bidwell. He was a graduate of Yale College, 
and had been a tutor there. As a lawyer he attained 
eminence, and was for one term a Member of Con- 
gress. Jefferson would have made him a Justice of 
the Supreme Court of the United States ; but while 
the matter was under consideration, Bidwell com- 
mitted forgery and fled to Canada. He was allowed 
to come to Albany to settle some business matters 
that required his personal attention, with the under- 
standing that he would not be molested — an ar- 
rangement to which Governor Tompkins was a 
party. Bidwell visited his home in Pittsfield, go- 
ing and coming in the night. He was a man of 
learning and extensive information, and I took 
pleasure in conversing with him.* 

Jedediah Burchard. 

Another person of celebrity at this time was Jed- 



* Barnabas Bidwell died in 1833. His son, Marshall Bidwell, 
was prominent in Canadian politics. 



62 REMINISCENXES. 

ediah Biirchard, the revivalist. I often attended 
his meetings, and met him elsewhere. He had 
been a trader and storekeeper in former years, and 
lost his property in the commercial panic following" 
the peace in 1815. During the War, foreign com- 
modities, such as tea, coftee and spices, were held 
at extravagant prices — I remember that nutmegs 
were sold at half a dollar each. The unexpected 
proclamation of peace, opening ports and releasing 
vessels, pricked the bubble and caused the ruin of 
many. Mr. Burchard, at the time I first saw him, 
was nominally a prisoner for debt, being allowed 
"jail limits." After his release he began to preach. 
He had considerable power as a speaker, and made 
many converts ; but at times his impulses overcame 
his discretion. His rash propensities were well il- 
lustrated in his attack upon Aaron Burr.* 



*"When Aaron Burr returned to New York City to i)ractice law 
after his voluntary exile in Europe, he found the late Rev. Jed- 
ediah Burchard, then a celebrated revivalist, holding a series of 
protracted meetings in his family church. He attended from habit, 
always went late, and disturbed the services by attracting to him- 
self the attention of the audience on account of his infamous 



REMINISCENCES. 6t, 

Emmet. — Van Schaack. 

I heard Thomas A. Emmet in a trial at Albany in 
which there were six lawyers on each side. Peter 
Van Schaack,* Martin Van Buren and Peter A. Jay 
were of the number. I was struck with Emmet's 
power. Van Schaack I remember as a venerable, 
white-haired old man, and blind. 



notoriety as the man who shot Alexander Hamilton, and who had 
been tried for treason. Mr. Burchard resolved to rebuke him 
openly. The next Sabbath, when he came in and got about half 
way up the aisle, the clergyman paused in his discourse, and point- 
ing at Colonel Burr, said, in the most scathing manner, "You 
hoary-headed old sinner, I'll appear against you at the day of 
judgment !" The proud, defiant old man, standing erect as ever, 
with that perfect composure which never deserted him, and fixing 
his fine gray eyes on the occupant of the pulpit, replied, "Mr. 
Burchard, I have observed through a long course of professional 
experience that the very meanest class of criminals are those who 
turn Sfafe's evidence/" — Bench and Bar. 

* Peter Van Schaack was a distinguished lawyer of New York. 
He was a loyal refugee during the Revolution, but returned to this 
country in 1785 and resumed the practice of his profession. He 
also gave instruction in the science of law, and published several 
legal works. He died in 1832, aged 85. 



64 REMINISCENCES. 

I met many other persons of note while I was at 
Albany, among whom were De Witt Clinton ; Dan- 
iel D. Tompkins, then Governor, afterwards Vice- 
President ; and Stephen Van Rensselaer, the last of 
the Patroons. 

At Schenectady. 

I studied theology with the Rev. Dr. Yates of 
Union College, Schenectady, I was intimate with 
many of the students there, and of these I will name 
Francis Wayland, Alonzo Potter and Benjamin B. 
Wisner. Potter,'^ at this time, discovered some 
tendencies to dissipation ; and I remember an inter- 
view I had with him in regard to this matter. I 
remonstrated with him, and he expressed his de- 
termination to reform. Wisner was a keen man. 
He was pastor of the Old South Church in Boston, 
and then connected himself with the American 
Board of Foreign Missions, of which he was for 
some years the effective agent. 



* Alonzo Potter was Protestant Episcopal Bishop of Pennsylvania 
from 1S45 to his death in 1865. He is best known l)y his literary 
labors. 



REMINISCENCES. 65 

Hooper Cummings. 

I heard the eloquent and notorious Hooper Cum- 
mings preach one of EHphalet Nott's sermons as his 
own when Nott was present, I sat by the Doctor's 
side during the service, and he did not move a mus- 
cle of his face, nor did he allude to the matter after- 
wards. Cummings had the hardihood to publish the 
sermon, and stoutly maintained his claim. Nott's 
title, after a lengthy and scandalous controversy in 
which he took little part, was established beyond 
question. 

Nott's power as a preacher and pulpit orator was 
wonderful. Harrison Gray Otis, who once heard 
him at Saratoga, said that he had never before 
known what true eloquence was. 

Chancellor Kent. 

An event in my life was my meeting with James 
Kent, Chancellor of New York, which occurred at 
the tea table of a friend in Albany. I was for two 
hours an absorbed listener to the words of wisdom 



66 REMINISCENCES. - 

which came from his Hps. He spoke of his early 
struofcrles to obtain an education ; of his mortification 
at his deficiencies after graduation ; and of his reso- 
kition to perfect himself in whatever he undertook. 
Of his son, then in college, (afterwards a professor 
at Harvard College,) he said, with much simplicity, 
that he would not make as great a man as his father 
— that he would never be Chancellor of the State of 
New York. 

Peter Parley. 

Samuel G. Goodrich kept a bookstore in Hart- 
ford which I frequented during my residence there. 
I had previously known his brother, the Rev. Charles 
A. Goodrich, who was for some years pastor of the 
Old South Church in Worcester. Samuel G., known 
far and near as "Peter Parley," was a pleasant man 
to meet, and an entertaining companion. In busi- 
ness and politics he always looked out for number 
one. Both brothers entered public life.* 



* Samuel G. Goodrich was probably the most prolific writer of 
his day. He crossed the Atlantic sixteen times. 



REMINISCENCES. 67 

Dr. Robbins. 

Another Hartford acquaintance was Dr. Thomas 
Robbins,* the eccentric antiquary. He was a bach- 
elor, and hved among" his books. I remember an 
incident that occurred, I think, at a meeting of the 
Massachusetts Historical Society, and which is emi- 
nently characteristic of the man. The subject of a 
general history of the country was being discussed, 
and Dr. Robbins in the course of his remarks said 
that a standard work was needed — that nothing had 
been written worthy of the name. George Ban- 
croft was present, and at the close of the meeting 
was introduced to Robbins. The old man said, 
bluntly, "Mr. Bancroft, I have read your volumes ! " 

William Charles ^A/'hite 

1 knew well. He was a handsome man, g-raceful in 
every movement. Socially he possessed rare qual- 



*Thomas Robbins, d. d. was born 1777 ; died 1856. He was 
the founder, and for many years librarian of the Connecticut His- 
torical Society at Hartford. He gave his valuable library to that 
institution. 



68 REMINISCENCES. 

ities, and I thoroughly enjoyed his society. Of ver- 
satile talent, he had been an actor, writer and lawyer; 
and in all these professions he exhibited more than 
ordinary ability. He was District Attorney for Wor- 
cester County at the time of his death in 1818. He 
had been dissipated in his youth, but became wiser 
as he grew older : his life was undoubtedly shortened 
by his early excesses. In politics he was a Jeffer- 
sonian Democrat.* 

The Waldos. 

Daniel Waldo, senior, gave my father the follow- 
ing anecdote which I have seen in print without the 
names and locality. While doing business in Con- 
necticut, Waldo had occasion to inquire as to the 
trustworthiness of a certain person with whom he 
was about to have dealings, and was referred to an 



* William Charles White was a native of Boston, born in 1777. 
His father was a prominent merchant. William first appeared as 
an actor at the Federal Street Theatre in 1796. He wrote a 
tragedy and a number of novels ; and published a compendium of 
the Laws of Massachusetts. He was for a time editor of the 
National ^gis, at Worcester. 



REMINISCENCES. 69 

eccentric individual noted for his singular and quaint 
expressions. In answer to Mr. Waldo's inquiries 
concerning the character of the party, he replied : 
"Godward he is a very good man, but manward he's 
rather hvistical ! " 

Daniel Waldo, junior, was the last of his race. 
His death occurred so recently* that some of the 
younger residents of Worcester remember him. He 
was a delegate to the celebrated Hartford Conven- 
tion ; and he wrote my father the day after it organ- 
ized, that the members had unanimously resolved 
to maintain the integrity of the Union. f 

Jeremiah Stiles 

was a man of varied and wonderful talents. He at 
one time contemplated studying art with Benjamin 
West, and made arrangements to go to England, 
but was prevented by the French War of 1 798. His 
ability as a portrait painter was remarkable ; and he 



*i845. 

fNo resolution of this character appears in the report of the 
proceedings of the convention. 



JO REMINISCENCES. 

was a poet of no mean pretensions, exhibited mostly 
in epigrams. Francis Blake, the distinguished law- 
yer, seeing in his shop the works of Shakspeare and 
Milton, asked him if he read them. He was told 
to open either of the volumes at random and read 
one line, which Blake did repeatedly, and found that 
Stiles was able to recite with perfect accuracy to 
any length in either book. 

Stiles was of a turbulent disposition, and involved 
himself in litigation which swallowed up his prop- 
erty and resources. He painted carriages and signs 
for a living.* 

The Lincolns. 

The elder Levi Lincoln was an important person- 
age during the early part of the present century. 
He had been prominent in the councils of the Rev- 
olution, and afterwards served in both branches of 



* Jeremiah Stiles, bom at Keene, N. H., May 21, 1771, was 
drowned in Lake Quinsigamond, near Worcester, July 2, 1826. 
One of his portraits — that of Peter Willard, a celebrated darkey of 
former times — is in the ])ossession of the Worcester Society of 
Antiquity. 



REMINISCENCES. 7 1 

the Legislature and in Congress. He was the author 
of a series of poHtical essays in the RepubHcan in- 
terest called "Farmer's Letters"; and was familiarly 
known as "Farmer Lincoln." He became Attorney 
General of the United States in 1801. At the time 
the purchase of Louisiana was contemplated, Jeffer- 
son wrote to Lincoln expressing his doubts as to the 
constitutionality of the act. Lincoln replied : " Vote 
can get around that. You have the power with the 
Senate to establish the boundaries of the country. 
You can include Louisiana within the lines." Thus, 
by an ingenious evasion, was the spirit, if not the 
letter, of the Constitution violated. The original 
draft of this opinion was preserved in a volume of 
Lincoln's papers presented to the American Anti- 
quarian Society by his son, William Lincoln, the 
historian of Worcester. It has since been destroyed. 
I was a witness in the younger Levi Lincoln's 
first case before a court. The matter in d.ispute 
grew out of the trespassing of some fowls, and one 
of them having been killed, the owner brought suit 
to recover damages. I was associated for some 



72 REMINISCENCES. 

years with Governor Lincoln as a member of the 
Board of Trustees of Leicester Academy, of which 
he was president. He had a strong will and an im- 
perious temper. As a public man he ranked well.* 

Red Jacket. 

In the year 1818 I attended an Indian Council at 
Buffalo, and heard the celebrated Red Jacket make 
a speech in his native tongue. I was thrilled by his 
eloquence although I could not understand a word. 

Aaron Burr. 

I saw Aaron Burr at Utica in 1823, where we 
dined at the same table for several days. He pre- 
sided and carved the meat. His manners and ap- 



*Levi Lincoln, the elder, was bom in Hinghani, May 15, 1749 ; 
died at Worcester, April 14, 1820. He was acting Governor of 
Massachusetts in 1809. His son, Enoch Lincoln, was Governor 
of Maine 1827-9. Levi Lincoln, junior, was born in Worcester, 
October 25, 1782 ; and died there May 29, 1868. He was suc- 
cessively a State Senator ; a Representative and one year Speaker ; 
Lieutenant Governor ; Judge of the Supreme Court ; Governor from 
1825 to 1834-; Member of Congress ; and Collector of the Fort of 
Boston. He was the first Mayor of the City of Worcester. 



REMINISCENCES. 'J T, 

pearance were graceful and gentlemanly. I had no 
opportunity of conversing with him, as his seat was 
apart from mine. 

Matthew L. Davis, Burr's biographer, told me 
that Burr at his death committed to his charge sev- 
eral trunks full of letters he had received from female 
correspondents, some of them connected with the 
first families in the land. He exacted a promise 
from Davis that these letters, which compromised 
the characters of many of the writers, should be 
published after his decease ; but Davis's wife pre- 
vailed upon her husband to destroy them. 

I think that the licentiousness of Burr and his 
uncle, Pierrepont Edwards, was largely the result of 
the strict surveillance of the elder Edwards at Stock- 
bridge, where they lived during their boyhood. His 
rigid and ascetic habits implanted in their minds a 
hatred of religion and morality. 

Ministry at Shrewsbury. 

As pastor of the church in Shrewsbury, I was, of 
course, brou^^ht into intimate relations with the 



74 REMINISCENCES. 

clergymen of the neighboring towns. Dr. Sumner, 
whom I succeeded, was an able preacher and a man 
of wide influence. At the time I took charge of the 
church, he was feeble in health and confined to his 
house. He died within a few months. 

Dr. Sumner 

was of liberal tendencies in religion. Rev. Dr. Sam- 
uel Austin, of the Old South Church in Worcester, 
once made a friendly call at his house, and, as was 
frequently the case on such occasions, they engaged 
in a discussion over some points of doctrine. Dr. 
Sumner, in the course of the conversation, said : 
"I was educated in the Orthodox belief, and I al- 
ways keep the creed by me : I have lived by it, 
and 1 intend to die by it." "But you have clipped 
the corners," said Dr. Austin. "Yes," replied Dr. 
Sumner, "and they need clipping more."* 



* Joseph Sumner was born in Pomfret, Conn., January 30, i 740. 
He graduated at Yale College in 1759, and was ordained pastor of 
the church in Shrewsbury in 1762, where he remained until his 
death, December 9, 1824. He received the degree of d. d. from 
Harvard University in 18 14. 



REMINISCENCES. 75 

Dr. Puffer. 

One of the most prominent clergymen in the 
county at the time of my settlement, was the Rev. 
Reuben Puffer of Berlin. He graduated at Harvard 
College, and passed the remainder of his life in that 
obscure town, where he achieved considerable re- 
nown. He was chosen to preach the election sermon 
in 1803. In his preaching he was pleasing, but had 
some peculiarities of pronunciation, as towch for 
touch, etc. Of indefatigable industry, he left at his 
death fifty-two undelivered sermons carefully written 
out.* 

Asa Packard. 

Another preacher of note was Asa Packard f of 
Marlborough, at that time living in retirement at 



*The Rev. Reuben Puffer was the first pastor of the church in 
Berlin. He was ordained in 1781, and died in 1829. 

fRev. Asa Packard was born in 1758. He graduated at Har- 
vard University in 1783 ; preached in Marlborough from 1785 to 
1819 ; and died at Lancaster in 1843. ^^^^ ^^^'^^ ^^^^ ^ sister of 
Josiah Quincy, Jr. of revolutionary fame. 



76 



REMINISCENCES. 



Lancaster. He had a great store of anecdote which 
he aptly used in the pulpit. 

Packard was a drummer in the War of the Revo- 
lution, and received a bullet at Harlem Heights 
which he carried through life. After his remains 
had mouldered in the coffin, his son-in-law, Trask, of 
anti-tobacco fame, searched for the ball and found it. 

Rev. Dr. Nelson. 

The Rev. John Nelson of Leicester preached my 
ordination sermon at Shrewsbury in 1823. My re- 
lations with him were cordial and intimate. He had 
many good parts, one of which was industry. But 
he was timid — a man of panics. He w^as popular, 
for he opposed no one : he lacked individuality."^ 



Rev. Nathanael Howe. 

I was well acquainted with Nathanael Howe, the 
eccentric minister of Hopkinton. He exchanged 



* Rev. John Nelson was ordained in Leicester in 1812, and died 
there in 1871. 



I 

I 



I 



REMINISCENCES. 77 

with me several times. His "Century Sermon" is 
a curious production, well worth the reading. Mr. 
Howe was quaint in speech and appearance, but he 
possessed sterling sense and a benevolent heart.* 

Rev. James Thompson 

of Barre, preached the sermon on the fiftieth anni- 
versary of his settlement in that town. He was a 
man of talent, and much loved by his people. Oc- 
casional intemperance was his failing : he was once 
discovered by some of his parishioners in a state of 
intoxication in the church on a week day. He was 
forgiven.f 

Rev. Joseph Goffe 

of Millbury, with proper opportunities, would have 
made a statesman. He was a graduate of Dart- 



*Nathanael Howe was bora in 1764, and died in 1837. He 
was minister of Hopkinton forty-six years. His "Century Sermon" 
was noticed in tlie North American Review. Several editions have 
been pubhshed. 

t James Thompson was pastor of the first church in Barre from 
1804 to 1854. 



78 REMINISCENCES. 

mouth College, and in his youth had a hard struggle 
to obtain an education, spending his vacations logg- 
ing on the upper Connecticut. He was charged 
in later life with loving money too well : his early 
experience may have been the cause of this. His 
church in Millbury was remarkable for its activity, 
maintaining a revival for a long term of years. Un- 
fortunately he became involved in a controversy 
with his people, and was tried by a council of which 
I was a member. One of the charges against him 
was, that he had spoken unadvisedly of some mem- 
bers of his church ; against the name of one in the 
records he had written : "May he prove a better man 
than it is feared he will." At first he refused to at- 
tend the council ; but at the earnest solicitation of 
Mr. Bardwcll and myself, he yielded. He addressed 
the council in a manner that brought tears to the 
eyes of all present. 

Mr. Goffe was a writer of Baxterian simplicity, 
force and clearness. He left two thousand manu- 
script discourses.* 



Rev. Joseph Cloffe j)reached in Millbury from 1794 to 1830. 



REMINISCENCES. 79 

Rev. Ebenezer Chaplin, 

Mr. Goffe's predecessor, I remember very well. He 
had a will and a way of his own. His quarrel with 
his church was remarkable for its duration and his 
persistence. He was the author of several books. ^ 

Rev. Edmund Mills. 

I remember Edmund Mills f of Sutton as a very 
eloquent man. His brother, Samuel J. Mills, of 
Torringford, Connecticut, — a most eccentric person 
— was the original of Mrs. Stowe's "Father Morris" 
in the "Mayflower." I saw him at Yale College. 



*Rev. Ebenezer Chaplin was minister of the second parish in 
Sutton (now incUided in Millbury) from 1764 to 1792. He de- 
cUned to acquiesce in his dismission, and some time after sued the 
parish for his support, but failed to establish his claim. He re- 
moved to Hardwick, where he died in 1822, aged 89. An in- 
teresting account of Mr. Chaplin and his troubles, drawn from 
original papers by Mr. Henry L. Shumway, is printed in the Pro- 
ceedings of the Worcester Society of Antiquity for 1882. 

t Edmund Mills was pastor of the first church in Sutton from 
1790 to 1825. 



8o REMINISCE^XES. 

Rev. Elisha Rockwood 

of Westborough, was a sound man, useful and schol- 
arly, but over-orthodox. He was a graduate of 
Dartmouth College.* 

Rev. John Boardman 

of West Boylston, was an able man, unconscious of 
his own power. He was a true friend through all 
my troubles in Shrewsbury, and I missed him more 
than any other. He went to East Douglas and died 
there. t His predecessor in West Boylston, the 

Rev. William Nash, 

was the best writer in Worcester County, and a 
preacher of wonderful force and ability. Every- 
thing he said had a point. He was a great favorite 



* Elisha Rockwood was ordained in Westborough in 1808, and 
dismissed in 1835. 

tRev. John Boardman was settled in West Boylston from 1821 
to 1834; and in East Douglas from 1835 to his death in 1841. 
William Nash, the first minister of West Boylston, was ordained in 
1797. He died in 1829. 



REMINISCENCES. 8 1 

with Theophilus Parsons, and Dr. Bancroft usually 
contrived to have him preach in Worcester during 
the session of the court. His sharp sayings in the 
pulpit were generally accompanied by a peculiar 
grimace which Parsons said was to clinch the ex- 
pression. Nash was feeble physically. He was a 
graduate of Yale, and studied theology with the 
Rev. Dr. Lothrop of Springfield. 

Rev. Joseph Allen 

of Northborough, was a man beloved by all who 
knew him. He was the successor of Peter Whitney, 
author of the History of Worcester County, who 
was called by Rev. Zabdiel Adams of Lunenburg, 
"Little Peter the Great." The most cordial friend- 
ship existed between Mr. Allen and myself, and we 
visited each other often. Our blood relationship, if 
any, was distant.* 

John S. C. Abbott 

was one of my most valued friends. I first knew 



* Rev. Joseph Allen was pastor of the church in Northborough 
from 1816 to his death in 1873. 



82 REMINISCENCES. 

him at Worcester, and have since visited him at 
Brunswick and New Haven. He was not, I think, 
a person of acute, philosophical or logical mind ; but 
was quick to apprehend, and would at least see all 
the surface of a thing. He and his brother Jacob 
were rapid writers, and their productions were al- 
ways remunerative. "^'" 

While at Worcester, John preached a series of 
discourses which were collected and printed in a 
volume under the name of "The Mother at Home." 
It attained great popularity, and numerous editions 
were published here and in England. The English 
editions were first issued with the name of Jacob 
through mistake. 



*The Abbott brothers were voluminous writers. Jacob, the 
elder, was the author of many works of excellent character for the 
young, which still retain a deserved popularity. John S. C. was 
born at Brunswick, Me., in 1805. He graduated at Bowdoin and 
Andover. He was pastor of the Calvinist (now the Central) 
Church in Worcester from 1830 to 1835 ; and was active in the 
ministry until his death in 1877. He wrote many histories and 
biographical works. A certain fervor and a high but pleasing 
color characterize his productions. 



REMINISCENCES. 83 

At the time I first knew John in 1830, he enter- 
tained no exalted opinion of Napoleon ; and he once 
remarked to me that he thought he merited no dis- 
tinction either as a soldier or a statesman. I replied 
that as to his military ability the zvorld had decided ; 
and in proof of his statesmanship I would read him a 
letter of Napoleon to one of his ministers, relating 
to the construction of canals and other internal im- 
provements, and the extinction of pauperism in 
France, written in the midst of one of his fiercest 
contests with foreign powers, and on the eve of a 
great battle. Abbott says, in his Life of Napoleon, 
that this letter changed entirely his opinion of the 
man ; and he told me, years after, when the "Life" 
was published, that if he had erred in his estimate I 
was in part responsible. 

Abbott was not affected in the least by the ad- 
verse criticisms of his history. Gen. Scott pro- 
nounced it the best and only true life of Napoleon : 
it is certainly the most popular one. The author 
was thoroughly sincere in his work, as, indeed, he 
was in everything. 



84 REMINISCENCES. 

Rum at Funerals. 

At the time I entered the ministry, rum drinking 
at funerals was the common practice, as it had been 
from time immemorial. I made the resolution to 
break it up, in my parish at least ; and I take 
some credit to myself that the effect of my action 
was manifest elsewhere. It was in 1827, at the fu- 
neral of Elijah Rice in Shrewsbury, that I first gave 
expression to my disapproval of this custom. At 
the conclusion of the service, hearing the toddy 
sticks going in the kitchen, I asked the daughter of 
the deceased if that noise could not be stopped. 
She replied that it would give ofi'ense if any objec- 
tion w^as made, "Tell your friends that I request 
it," said I, "and let the blame be laid upon me." 
No rum was drank at that funeral ; and, although 
the affair was the cause of some comment, I had no 
occasion to protest the second time. The custom 
was effectually broken up in Shrewsbury, and the 
leaven spread to other towns in the vicinity, aiding 
the rise of a proper sentiment which crushed out 
such vile and disgraceful practices. 



REMINISCENCES. 85 

Anti-masonry. 

I was actively opposed to Free-masonry, and took 
part in the controversy following the murder of 
Morgan which nearly exterminated the institution. 
I had lived in western New York, and knew some 
of the alleged murderers. During the excitement 
incident to the tragedy, and in years after, I used 
my pen and voice against the organization. While 
Everett was Governor some one addressed an open 
letter to him, deprecating the agitation against ma- 
sonry, saying that the matter might safely be left to 
the judgment of popular sentiment, which would in 
time root out the institution if it proved pernicious. 
To this I replied in an argument drawn from the 
admissions of Masons, in relation to the power of 
the body in politics and business affairs. This was 
printed in a pamphlet, and one fell into the hands of 

John Quincy Adams, 

which opened an acquaintance that lasted to the end 
of his life. He wrote me a long letter, saying that 
when he became President he had made up his mind 



86 REMIXISCEN'CES. 

to have nothing to do with the anti-masonic agita- 
tion ; but that the Masons brought so powerful a 
pressure to bear upon him in the affairs of the Gov- 
ernment, and exerted such a force in poHtics, that 
he considered it his duty to come out against them. 
This letter mysteriously disappeared from my study 
at Shrewsbury, and has never been recovered. 

Some time before the annexation of Texas, 1 vis- 
ited Mr. Adams at his home in Ouincy, and spoke 
of the danoer in admittino; that state into the Union. 
Mr. Adams thought there was no cause for alarm — 
that Texas, if admitted, would be divided into five 
states, two slave and three free. This simplicity was 
remarkable in a statesman of Mr. Adams's sagacity. 

Charles Sumner told me that he had examined 
with care the archives of the State Department, and 
that in regard to ability, John Ouincy Adams stood 
at the head of those who have held the office of 
Secretary. There was more documentary evidence 
in his own handwriting than in that of any other 
Minister of State, and the amount of labor he per- 
formed was remarkable. Everett came next. 



J 



REMINISCENCES. 87 

William Ellery Channing 

I met several times. I think his abihty has been 
overrated. Unitarianism sprung up, partly in self- 
defense, and partly aggressive ; and the champion of 
any new cause, especially if it proves successful, is 
sure to be exalted above his real merit. Harriet 
Martineau's characterization — that he was a good, 
but not a great man — seems a just one. 

Some have censured Dr. Channing because he 
did not enter into the anti-slavery contest with more 
spirit ; but I think he acted wisely. His health at 
that time was delicate, and he was afraid of break- 
ing down mentally and physically under the fierce 
ordeal to which he would have been subjected. 

I do not think that Channing comprehended the 
character of 

Napoleon. 

He certainly had no conception of his genius. His 
review in the Christian Examiner is a mass of whole- 
sale denunciation and "glittering generalities." An 



88 REMINISCEN'CES. 

impartial estimate of Napoleon must be favorable to 
the man. His character had blemishes, but his ge- 
nius was of the highest order. He came up at a 
time France was in need of a master mind to control 
the conflicting elements, and he fitted the emer- 
gency. Channing had no more right to call Napo- 
leon a political charlatan than we have to call Chan- 
ning an ecclesiastical quack. 

Samson V. S. Wilder. 

I used frequently to visit Mr. Wilder at his home 
in Bolton, where he dispensed an elegant hospi- 
tality. His manners and habits were ostentatious. 
He was an interesting speaker; but the great "I" 
entered largely into his delivery. But what he said 
was worth the hearing, for he had been much about 
the world, and his experience was of great value to 
others. After he met his reverse of fortune, I visited 
him at the jail in Worcester, where he was impris- 
oned for debt. He was not in the least cast down 
by his misfortunes : he had a firm reliance in the 
Great Power above. After his release he was main- 



» 



REMINISCENCES. 89 

tained during the rest of his Hfe by friends, who 
provided for him, I think, without his knowledge. 
He named his oldest daughter Samsonia.^ 

Abolition of Slavery. 

When I first brought up the matter of the Aboli- 
tion of Slavery in the Council of Ministers convened 
at Worcester in 1837,! they asked me what I expect- 
ed to accomplish against so powerful a monopoly. 



* Samson Vryling Stoddard Wilder was born in Lancaster, Mass., 
May 20, 1780. He engaged in the dry goods business in Boston 
about the beginning of the century; and in 1803 went abroad as 
commercial agent for William Gray, the prominent merchant. He 
resided for nearly twenty years in Paris ; and after the battle of 
Waterloo, laid a plan for the escape of Napoleon to America, of 
which the Emperor refused to avail himself because it necessitated 
the abandonment of his followers. Having accumulated a large 
fortune, Mr. Wilder, in 1823, returned to this country, and retired 
to his estate in Bolton, where he entertained Lafayette on his visit 
to the United States in 1S24. Mr. Wilder's property was swept 
away in the crash of 1837. He died at Elizabeth, N. J., March 
3, 1865. He was a man of natural piety, and gave largely of his 
wealth to promote the cause of religion and morality. 

f See ante, page 16. The Rev. Samuel May of Leicester con- 
tributed some interesting reminiscences of Mr. Allen and this 
Convention to the New England Home Journal of /\pril 20, 1883. 



90 REMINISCENCES. 

To them it seemed worse than folly to attack it. 
I told them that it took thirty years in the British 
Parliament to abolish the slave trade, and that I 
would work as long for the Abolition of Slavery in 
America. Before the thirty years had passed it was 
accomplished. 

William Lloyd Garrison. 

I had, on one occasion, an unpleasant encounter 
with Garrison, and was obliged to make use of plain 
language. He denied that he had expressed certain 
sentiments in his paper; but I convinced him of his 
error by pointing out the passages in a volume of 
the Liberator. He had probably forgotten that he 
wrote them. 

I do not concede to Garrison the high character 
given him by many. If he had had his way in his 
opposition to the ballot, slavery would have existed 
to-day. He believed in moral suasion alone, and 
the South would gladly have had the whole North 
of that mind. 



REMINISCENCES. 9 1 

Wendell Phillips. 

I have a high opinion of the abilities of Wendell 
Phillips. At times he has exhibited more valor than 
discretion, but he always planted himself firmly for 
the right. His scholarship and culture are of the 
highest order. 

Daniel Webster 

I met on several occasions. The expression of his 
face, as I saw him, was very pleasant, and not harsh 
and stern, as some of his portraits make him. He 
condescended to take some notice of my pamphlet, 
"The Complaint of Mexico." 

Webster was not a man of comprehensive scholar- 
ship ; but what he knew, he knew thoroughly. I 
think he had little moral principle ; and in Washing- 
ton he was surrounded by temptations to which he 
probably too often yielded. 

I have read all of the orations of Demosthenes 
and Cicero in the original, with the best efforts of 
others in various languages, and I think Webster's 
reply to Hayne transcends them all. 



92 REMINISCENCES. 

Peter Harvey. 

I have had portions of Harvey's "Reminiscences" 
read to me. I think they exhibit Webster's charac- 
ter in a very unfavorable Hght. 

I knew Harvey well. He had some talent. He 
was a lay member of the council at Shrewsbury that 
tried me upon charges brought by Henry Dana 
Ward. 

Edward Everett. 

Everett was a thorough scholar, with unsurpassed 
abilities as a rhetorician. As to his character, a re- 
mark of my brother Charles expresses a great deal. 
Being invited to hear the oration on Washington, 
he declined, saying, "I do not like to see Everett 
lay his hand where his heart ought to be," alluding 
to a favorite e^esture of the orator. 



to 



Rufus Choate. 

Choate was not a man of individuality ; yet he 
stood alone. His principles were fluctuating. 



REMINISCENCES. 93 

Governor Briggs. 

After the second defeat of the Whigs by Marcus 
Morton, the party managers were in something of a 
quandary in regard to the nomination of a candidate 
for Governor who could pacify the disaffected, and 
command the full vote of their organization. Some 
time before the convention met, I suggested to my 
brother that George N. Briggs would be a strong 
candidate ; that he would be sure of all the Whie 
votes, and, being a Baptist, would draw many from 
the Democrats, who were, at that time, largely of 
that persuasion. Charles acquiesced in this opinion, 
and gave his support to Briggs, who received the 
nomination and was elected.* 

The Court of Common Pleas in this state was 
abolished in 1858 to get rid of its incompetent 
judges, Briggs and Mellen among the number. 
They were excellent men, but were totally unfit for 
a judicial position of great responsibility. 



* George N. Briggs was born April 13, 1796 ; and died Sept. 12, 
1 86 1. He was a Member of Congress from 1831 to 1843, and 
Governor of Massachusetts from 1844 to 1851. 



94 REMINISCENCES. 

John G. Whittier 

I have known for many years. His appearance as 
a young- man was very like the oil portrait I possess, 
and which was a gift from the painter, Robert Peck- 
ham. Whittier is diffident and retiring in manner, 
but not cold or distant. I have visited him at Ames- 
bury. 

Nehemiah Adams. 

I never had much respect for Nehemiah Adams. 
He made assertions without reflection or judgment: 
he once characterized Channinfj as a man of no 
ability. His "South Side View" is another example. 

Edwards a Pro-slavery Man. 

I once heard Professor Calvin Ellis Stowe deliver 
an address in Boston, in which he eulogized the 
elder Jonathan Edwards for his anti-slavery princi- 
ples. Grahame, the Scottish historian of the United 
States, fell into the same error by confounding the 
first Jonathan with his son of that name. The son 
was a strong lover of freedom ; but the father wrote 



REMINISCENCES. 95 

and preached in defense of slavery. He once bought 
a slave, and one of his parishioners remonstrated 
with him, asking him if he was doing as he would 
be done by. Edwards replied that he would answer 
that at some future time, and soon after he preached 
a sermon in defense of slave-holding. After his 
death this sermon was destroyed by his family. 

An attempt has lately been made to prove that 
Edwards changed his views in regard to original sin. 
As his book was passing through the press at the 
time of his death, and the sheets were corrected by 
him up to his last illness, which was brief, this can- 
not be true. This treatise is as discreditable to him 
as the pro-slavery sermon, and should have been 
destroyed with it. 

George Brinley 

was my esteemed friend. It was not, as is well 
known, his custom to favor even his associates with 
an examination of his library. I was, however, once 
granted the privilege. I justify him in not showing 
his books ; for others by seeing them, might receive 



96 REMINISCENCES. 

suggestions that would be acted upon to his disad- 
vantage, and defeat his purpose of forming an 
unique American Hbrary, 

Elihu Burritt. 

Burritt did not possess, nor did he claim for him- 
self, the philological knowledge attributed to him. 
He told me that he felt a deep mortification at 
being spoken of as a prodigy. Edward Everett did 
much to bring him into notice in this manner. 

Burritt acquired languages with wonderful facil- 
ity ; but he had no critical knowledge of any one of 
them. His mind was not calculated to grasp the 
profound parts of anything. 

Abbott Lawrence. 

I had some acquaintance with Abbott Lawrence. 
He was a member, with my brother Charles, of the 
Commission to settle the North-eastern Boundary. 
Lawrence was a fine looking man, of courteous and 
winning manners. He possessed a deal of cunning, 
and in this differed from his brother Amos. 



REMINISCENCES. 97 

In 1848, Abbott, who had secretly maneuvered 
for that end, was selected by the Southern element 
in the National Whig Convention as the candidate 
for Vice-President ; but the action of my brother in 
spurning the bribe, made it necessary, according to 
Senator Archer of Virginia, to take a man from 
some other state, and Millard Fillmore of New York 
was chosen. Lawrence was deeply chagrined, as he 
had received positive assurance that he would be the 
candidate — indeed he had been toasted as the future 
Vice-President at a semi-public dinner. 

Sometime during the ensuing canvass in which 
my brother was the Free Soil candidate for Repre- 
sentative in Congress against the regular Whig 
nominee, Charles Sumner and Abbott Lawrence 
met upon the street in Boston, and the former in- 
quired as to the prospects of Judge Allen at Wor- 
cester. Lawrence laughed, and said : "I have no fear 
of the result. Governor Lincoln and Governor Davis 
will take care of him." Subsequent events proved 
that my brother was able to "take care" of himself. 



98 REMINISCENCES. 

John P. Hale. 

I used to meet John P. Hale often in Free Soil 
times. He was the guest of my brother whenever 
he visited Worcester. He had infinite humor and 
pungent wit, which were always ready in retort. 
His strokes fell so unexpectedly, and were accom- 
panied with such appropriate manner and gesture, 
that his worst enemies were at once convulsed. He 
never descended to buffoonery. 

"Massachusetts wears no chains." 

The Resolution* which became so famous, was 
offered by me at a Free Soil meeting in the City 
Hall, Worcester, in the summer of 1848. I had been 
detained at the hospital until late in the evening; 
and, hurrying to the meeting, composed the Reso- 
lution while on the run from Summer Street to the 
Common. My brother Charles had made a speech 
and left the hall before I entered. The Resolution 
was received with great enthusiasm ; and at the re- 

*See page 19. 



REMINISCENCES. 99 

quest of the chairman of the meeting, Mr. Albert 
Tolman, was reduced to writing- from my dictation 
by WilHam S, Robinson,* who was present as a re- 
porter. This accounts for the statement by Mrs. 
Robinson, in her vohmie "Pen Portraits," that her 
husband was the author : she probably found the 
original draft in his handwriting among his papers. 

After the meeting adjourned, I went to my broth- 
er's house at the corner of Main and Park Streets. 
He had heard the cheering and inquired the cause. 
I simply said that a resolution had been offered. 
He did not know the particulars until the next morn- 
ing. 

This Resolution was adopted by Free Soil meet- 
ings throughout the state ; and was incorporated 
in the "platform" at the general State Convention. 

Joshua R. Giddings. 

Mr. Giddings told me, the last time he was in 
Worcester, of an attempt made in 1852 by some of 

* "Warrington." 



lOO REMINISCENCES. 

its prominent members, to break up the Free Soil 
party. Its representatives in Washington were in 
the habit of holding weekly meetings for discussion 
at the office of the National Era. At one of these 
meetings, Salmon P. Chase expressed the opinion 
that the time had come for the dissolution of the 
organization. Its influence was waning, and it was 
useless to continue the struggle longer: they had 
better give their support to General Scott, the Whig 
candidate. He made a powerful speech in favor of 
this course. John P. Hale followed in the same 
vein. Sumner was called upon, and in the expres- 
sion of his views, wavered in apparent uncertainty 
as to the best course to pursue — in fact, would not 
commit himself. "Then," said Giddings, "your 
brother spoke. He said, 'I shall stand firm for our 
organization if I stand here alone. The South is 
infatuated, and will, before long, do something that 
will astound the whole country.' He told them that 
if they abandoned the party, they would be driven 
to form another. I sustained him, and through our 
efforts the party was saved." 



REMINISCENCES. lOI 

Charles Sumner. 

I knew Sumner lono- before he was thoueht of as 
a public man. In him the aristocratic bias was 
strong, but his sound principles overcame it. 

I was present when he delivered his oration on 
the "True Grandeur of Nations," in Faneuil Hall ; 
and I was so indignant at some of the impracticable 
notions put forth, and at his treatment of some of 
the great characters of history, that, had it been 
proper, I should have replied to him on the spot. 
Sumner modified, to a great extent, the opinions 
expressed on that occasion after he had Yi^iA practical 
experience in politics. 

The last interview of length that I had with Sum- 
ner was in the studio of the artist Wight, to whom 
he was sitting for a portrait. Wight thanked me 
for my services on that occasion, for he had found it 
difficult to get the desired expression for his canvas, 
as Sumner, if alone, would lapse into a dull look. 
I engaged him in conversation, and as we recalled 
the incidents of the anti-slavery conflict, in which he 
and Wilson and Giddings, with others, had taken 



I02 REMINISCENCES. 

part, his face lighted with animation. We conversed 
more than an hour, the painter meanwhile working 
busily with his brush. 

After Sumner had been censured by the Massa- 
chusetts Legislature, he, at the solicitation of some 
friends, wrote me a letter with the request that I 
would appear before the Committee appointed to 
take into consideration the petitions for rescinding 
the resolution of censure.'^ I replied that at my age 
it would not be prudent for me to do so, and added : 
"It is not necessary. The blockheads, in their zeal, 
have too fully committed this legislature for any- 
thing to be accomplished in your favor. You must 
wait until the next. In the meantime the people 
w^ill be heard." 

The Fuss at Andover. 

When Dr. Dana published his imputation of 
heresy against Professor Park, to which action he 



* Senator Sumner highly esteemed the character and abilities of 
Mr. Allen. In one of his speeches he said : "I have recently read 
a production of his [Allen's] entitled ^Resistance to Stavery every 



REMINISCENCES. IO3 

was instigated by Leonard Woods, the elder, who 
hoped that by this method his more brilHant suc- 
cessor in the chair of Christian Theology might be 
ousted, I wrote in reply my ''Andover FussT This 
pamphlet created quite a ripple of excitement in 
Orthodox circles. The pith of the charge against 
Professor Park was, that he neither believed nor 
taught the doctrine of Original Sin ; but this was a 
pretext to outwardly justify an attack really influ- 
enced by jealousy of his superior abilities and ge- 
nius. Dr. Woods was the responsible party. In 
my pamphlet I fully exposed the thin pretense in 
the charge by quoting Dr. Woods' own statements, 
previously made during his controversy with Dr. 
Ware, the Unitarian, in which he had disavowed for 
himself and the Orthodox of New England, a belief 
in Original Sin. This expose was very unpalatable 
to Dr. Woods and his friends, and some ill feeling 
was engendered. 

A few months after the publication of my pamph- 



Man's Duty,' with admiration and delight. Here his own powers 
answered to the grandeur of his cause." 



I04 REMINISCENCES. 

let, I was introduced to Dr. Woods at a meeting in 
Boston. He said: "I have had the honor of being 
noticed by you before ; but I forgive you." I was 
indignant, and repHed : "You have reason to be 
thankful that I spared you so mercifully." 

Protest at Plymouth. 

When I offered my protest at Plymouth'"" against 
the re-affirmance of the Westminster Catechism, I 
was interrupted by cries of "shut up," "hold your 
tongue," and other discourteous exclamations ; and 



* The National Council of Congregational Churches convened 
at Boston, June. 14, 1865, and continued in session ten days. Mr. 
Allen attended as a delegate from Worcester. On the 22nd of 
June the Council proceeded to Plymouth, and on "Burial Hill," 
overlooking Plymouth Rock, adopted a Declaration of Faith which 
had previously been debated and fixed upon. This Declaration 
was objectionable to Mr. Allen, as it "re-afifirmed the absurdities of 
the old theology believed by no one at the present day" ; and he 
presented the following protest, which was accepted and ordered 
to be placed on the minutes of the Council : 

"Standing over the ashes of the Pilgrim Fathers, and on the summit of 
this hill consecrated to their memory, I solemnly protest against the adoption 
of the paper here and now presented, as being too sectarian for their cath- 
olic spirit, and too narrow to comprehend the breadth of their principles of 
religious freedom." 



REMINISCENCES. IO5 

when I had finished my remarks, one minister said, 
with a sneer: "I hope you feel better now." I re- 
pHed : "I should feel worse if I had not performed 
my duty." 

Concerning Religion. 

I do not believe that original sin, election or pre- 
destination have any place in the Christian Religion. 
The translations that give color to these absurdities 
are foul upon the face. I have conferred with many 
clergymen in regard to these matters, and have not 
found one among those capable of understanding 
the grammatical structure of the original, who re- 
fused to acknowledge the palpable errors in the 
popular version of the Scriptures. Yet they con- 
tinue to preach the same old way. It is often said 
that nobody believes these old doctrines to-day. 
Why, then, subscribe to them ? 

I do not like to have young people listen to a 
man like Robert G. Ingersoll. His pathos, ridicule 
and power of rhetoric may cause them to overlook 



I06 REMINISCENCES. 

the principles of the Christian reHgion, while he 
points out the errors which ignorance has associated 
with it. There is no foundation for the doctrine 
that man is by nature depraved ; and Original Sin 
is a fiction. All this nonsense is due to foul and 
imperfect translations. It is the place of ministers 
in the pulpit, rather than Ingersoll, to speak in con- 
demnation of these doctrines which shock the human 
feelings, and outrage the understanding. They are 
not in the teachings of Jesus Christ. 

It may appear strange that pain should be inflict- 
ed by the Almighty as a means of bringing forth 
good, when every effort of humanity is to alleviate 
distress and suffering. We cannot comprehend this 
until we can comprehend infinity. We lessen pain 
and trouble by bearing them with patience and for- 
titude. 

The reason why genius is generally attended with 
suffering will not be unfolded to us until we can 
comprehend all the phenomena of the human mind. 
Adversity strengthens and brings out the character. 



REMINISCENCES. lO/ 

Sensitive and refined minds are best fitted to en- 
counter the trials of this world : those of stronger 
animal temperament break down under them. 

My idea of omnipotence in the Deity is not that 
he can perform impossibilities, or overturn a fixed 
principle or law. The popular understanding is 
contrary to this. 

In preaching I never exhorted ; I always appealed 
to the intelligence of my hearers. In no other way 
can a lasting impression be made. 

In the new version of the Scriptures now being 
made, I think much must be eliminated or materially 
changed. A truthful version will not render the 
passages in relation to the depravity of mankind in 
that manner which has heretofore made them appear 
so inconsistent with the mercy and goodness of God. 
But one century plant blooms much like another ; 
and I suppose we shall see the old errors again per- 
petuated. 



I08 REMINISCENCES. 

In the revised New Testament many of the fa- 
mihar passages have been robbed of their beauty, 
subhmity and force ; and I think rightfully. Wrong 
sentiments have been fostered, and erroneous con- 
ceptions perpetuated by these elements of attrac- 
tion ; and it is well that they are broken up.'^ 

Literary and Historical Criticisms. 

Several histories have repeated the story, as an 
illustration of old-time bigotry, that the Rev. Mr. 
Brimsmeadt of Marlborough, and the Rev. Mr. 
Sherman ]|; of Sudbury, refused to baptize children 
who were born on the Sabbath. The truth is, that 
they only refused to baptize them on the day they 
were born, as it was then the custom to carry the 
infant immediately to church, if born on Sunday, 
frequently to its detriment. Dr. Franklin and Sam- 



* These criticisms on the Revised Version were made, one be- 
fore, the other after the publication of the New Testament. Many 
of the changes were predicted by Mr. Allen. 

fRev. William Ihimsmead, minister of Marlborough, 1 666-1 701. 

\ Rev. James Sherman, minister of Sudbury, 1677-1705. 



REMINISCENCES. - IO9 

uel Adams were baptized on the day of their birth ; 
and Frankhn said that he went to meeting twice 
that day — before and after he was born. 

It is commonly thought that irritable persons do 
not Hve as long as those of placid temperament ; 
but Charles Macklin, the actor, who took the prin- 
cipal part in a play at the age of 98, and died at 
107, was a very irritable man. John Adams was 
another exception to the rule. 

Cowper is one of the examples of genius under 
great suffering. He exerted a great and good in- 
fluence over his age. His yoJni Gilpiii is said to 
have caused him a great deal of mortification in af- 
ter years ; but we cannot say that it has affected 
others so. It is a remarkable production, original 
and witty. 

I do not think highly of Cowper's Homer. The 
poet was trammeled in trying to make the trans- 
lation absolutely literal. The Edinburgh Review 
characterized it as Homer's dead body dug up. It 



I lO REMINISCENCES. 

lacked the spirit of the original. Pope, on the other 
hand, preserved that, although his translation is not 
literally true. 

The oath formerly taken in Massachusetts to the 
effect that the party owed no allegiance to the Pope 
or any foreign potentate, I have traced, in substance, 
back to the time of Charles the second. I found it 
in Rushworth's works. Roger Williams, while he 
allowed freedom of worship to all, denied to Roman 
Catholics the right to vote, on the ground that they 
were subjects of a foreign government. 

If Charles James Fox said that he could not for- 
give Milton for having occasioned him the trouble 
of reading Paradise Lost, "three parts of which were 
not worth reading," he was unconscious of what he 
had lost. Dr. Johnson said that "Milton sometimes 
descended to the elegant : he was always sublime." 
This is perhaps the reason why many persons can- 
not appreciate him who are sensible of the qualities 
of other poets of genius. 



REMINISCENCES. I I I 

I think Jefferson was a thoroughly dishonest man. 
He was made President by the prestige derived from 
his Declaration of Independence ; and, although he 
stands well with the American people to-day, his 
fame is on the wane. Both he and Madison favored 
the creation of a navy during the administration of 
Washington ; but no sooner did John Adams, after 
he became President, lay the keels of some seventy- 
fours, than they opposed it with the pretext of econ- 
omy. It was the deliberate purpose of Jefferson, I 
think, to destroy the commerce of the North ; and 
this was part of the scheme of Napoleon. Monroe 
was Minister to France at this time, and probably 
became a tool in the hands of that wily genius. If 
there was ever an honest party in politics, it was 
the old Federal party. 

I am not certain that Burke was right in his views 
concerning the French Revolution, or that he can be 
justified in abandoning his former associates. In the 
American Revolution the people were struggling 
for constitutional riehts — Webster said it was a 



I I 2 REMIMSCE^'CES. 

seven years' war for principle. In the French Rev- 
olution the majority of the revolutionists cared little 
for the right — murder and rapine were their meth- 
ods. Burke probably came to a logical conclusion 
in his own mind, that there was no inconsistency in 
his supporting the one and opposing the other. 

The season of Whitefield's first visit was a trying 
one to the churches and people of this country — 
friendships were broken and families estranged ; and 
the religious unity was forever destroyed. White- 
field was, on one of his visits to Boston, the guest of 
my grandfather ; and my father and uncle Samuel 
remembered him distinctly. His powers as an 
orator were wonderful. Garrick said he would orive 
a thousand pounds if he could say '' C like White- 
field. Samuel Adams, in view of the degeneracy 
of the times, used to exclaim : "O, for another 
Whitefield or another earthquake ! " 

Whitefield had a cast in his eye, and figured as 
''Dr. Squifituui'' in one of Foote's comedies. He 
was an enormous eater. 



REMINISCENCES. II 3 

Power of expression depends not so much upon 
the moral sense as upon the intellectual perception. 
This we see exemplified in Byron and others of his 
class. 

Retrospect. 

Constitutional bashfulness has been a great draw- 
back to me all through my life. As a child my 
mother would never send me of an errand on that 
account. When I preached my first sermon, I was 
in a tremor throughout its delivery ; and I have 
something of that feeling now when I speak in pub- 
lic. I doubt that it is ever fully outgrown. 

Although never of full habit, or apparently strong, 
I excelled during my youth in the athletic sports. I 
was a good swimmer, an agile climber, and the 
swiftest runner among the students in college. 

I never had ambition in the sense that that term 
is commonly understood. I desired to be useful. 
I preferred to remain in a small town like Shrews- 



114 rp:mixiscences. 

bury, as there I had leisure, aside from my minis- 
terial duties, for study and recreation. 

My relish for literature is keener now* than ever. 
My sight began to fail at the age of thirty ; and for 
the last twenty years I have not been able to read 
at all. Most of the English classics I read more 
than fifty years ago, yet they are fresh in my mind ; 
and I can repeat pages of Milton, Shakspeare, 
Young, Cowper and others. I never made any ef- 
fort to commit them to memory. 

I never could bear to see any exhibition of the 
aristocratic feeling. A bias in that direction seems 
to blight a man's practical usefulness in this world. 
It always excited my indignation to see persons 
slighted because they were poor or of lowly condi- 
tion, and I felt it my duty to champion their cause. 

I was never in a theater ; never went to a circus, 
and but once to a dance ; and I never visited the 
city of Washington. 



1879. 



REMINISCENCES. 1 1 5 

I once formed the habit of smoking, but abjured 
it in 1 8 10. No spirituous hquor has passed my hps 
for fifty years. 

I have, during my Hfe, encountered a great deal 
of opposition and personal prejudice ; but time has 
adjusted it. I have outlived it all. 



PUBLISHED WRITINGS. 



PUBLISHED WRITINGS. 



N. B. This List of the Published Writings of Mr. Allen does not include 
those which were printed in connection with other matter; but only such as 
have appeared separately. Many minor productions published as letters, 
memorials, broadsides, etc., are not mentioned here. 



The Moral Providence of God. A Sermon delivered in 

Shrewsbury, January 4, 1829. By George Allen, Pastor of 
the Congregational Church and Society in Shrewsbury. 
Published by Request. Worcester : M. Spooner, Printer. 
1829. pp. 19. 

An Address to the Freemen of Massachusetts. By a Freeman. 
Worcester: M. Spooner and Co., Printers. 1832. pp. 16. 
\_Anti-J)iasonic.'] 

Thoughts on "The Excitement" in reply to a Letter to Hon. 
Edward Everett. First published in the National ^gis and 
Massachusetts Yeoman. Worcester : Printed by Moses W. 
Grout. 1833. pp. 44. \_Anti-masonic.^ 

Mr. Allen's Report of a Declaration of Sentiments on Slavery, 
Dec. 5, 1837. Worcester: Printed by Henry J. Howland. 
1838. pp. 12. 

Mr. Allen's Speech on Ministers leaving a Moral Kingdom to 
bear testimony against Sin ; Liberty in Danger from publi- 



I20 PUBLISHED WRITINGS. 

cation of its principles ; the Constitution a Shield for Slavery ; 
and the Union better than Freedom and Righteousness. 
Boston : Published by Isaac Knapp, No. 25 Cornhill. 1S38. 
pp. 46. 

6 Report of the School Committee of the Town of Shrewsbury, 

offered in Town Meeting, April i, 1839. Printed by vote 
of said Town. Worcester : Printed by Spooner & Rowland. 
1839. PP- ^''^ 

7 The Complaint of Mexico, and Conspiracy against Liberty. 

Boston : Puljlished by J. W. Alden, No. 7 Cornhill. 1843. 
pp. 44. 

8 Resistance to Slavery every Man's Duty. A Report on Amer- 

ican Slavery read to the Worcester Central Association, 
March 2, 1847. Boston : Wm. Crosby & H. P. Nichols. 
No. Ill Washington St. 1847. pp. 40. 

9 Remarks on the Attack of the " Family /Egis" upon Judge 

Allen. 1848. pp. 8. 

10 The Andover Fuss : or Dr. Woods versus Dr. Dana, on the 

Imputation of Heresy against Professor Park, respecting the 
Doctrine of Original Sin. Boston : Tappan and Whittemore. 
1853- PP- 31- 

11 An Address to the Electors of the Ninth Congressional District 

of Massachusetts, i860, pp. 14. 

12 Historical Remarks concerning the Mechanic Street Burial 

Ciround in the City of Worcester, offered to the Joint Com- 
mittee of the Legislature of Massachusetts, March 14, 1878. 
By Rev. (ieorge Allen of Worcester. First published in 
numbers in the Bay State Ledger, July and August, 1846. 
Worcester: Printed by Tyler & Seagrave. 1878. pp. 17. 



INDEX. 



INDEX. 



Abbott, Rev. Jacob, 82. 

Rev. John S. C, 81-83. 
Abolition of Slavery, 89. 
Adams, John, 109. 

John Quincy, 14, 85, 86. 

Rev. Nehemiah, 94. 

Samuel, 9, 37, 108, 112. 

Rev. Zabdiel, 81. 
Allen, Hon. Charles, 18, 92, 93, 97, 
98, 100. 

Rev. George. Biographical 
Sketch, 9-30. 

George, Jr., 13. 

James, 9. 

Hon. Joseph, 9-1 1. 

Rev. Dr. Joseph, 81. 

Samuel, 9, 34. 
Alexander, Archibald, 53. 
Allston, Washington, 56. 
Ames, Fisher, 56. 
Amherst College, 48. 
Ancestry of George Allen, 9, 36. 
"Andover Fuss," the, 102, 103. 
Anti-masonry, 14, 85. 
Archer, Senator, 97. 
Austin, Rev. Dr. Samuel, 74. 
Avery, Rev. Joseph, 9. 



Badger, George E., 13. 49, 52. 
Bagley, Anderson, 52. 
Baldwin, Roger Sherman, 52. 
Bancroft, Rev. Dr. Aaron, 46, 81. 

George, 38, 47, 67. 
Bangs, Judge, 47. 
Bidvvell, Barnabas. 61. 
Blake, Francis, 43, 70. 
Boardman, Rev. John, 80. 
Brazer, Samuel, 46. 
Briggs, George N., 93. 
Brimsmead, Rev. William, 108. 
Brinley, George, 95. 
Bromfield, Mr., 39. 
Buckingham, Joseph T., 45. 

Rev. Dr. S. G., Remarks at 
Funeral, 22-27. 
Burchard, Jedediah, 61-63. 
Barges, Tristam, 43. 
Burke, Edmund, iii. 
Burr, Aaron, 35, 62, 72. 
Burritt, Elihu, 96. 

Butler, Benjamin F., of N. Y. 13, 60. 
Byron, the poet, 113. 



Calhoun, John C, 53. 



124 



INDEX. 



Channing, William Ellery, 87. 
Chaplin, Rev. Ebenezer, 79. 
Chase, Salmon P., lOO. 
Chester, Rev. Dr.. 60. 
Choate, Rufus, 92. 
Class at Yale, 49. 
Clay, Henry, 54. 
Clayton, John M.. 50, 54. 
Clinton. De Witt. 64. 
"Complaint of Mexico." 53, 91. 
Cowper, the poet, 109. 
Criticisms. Literary, etc.. 108. 
Cummings, Hooper. 65. 
" Cunning John Fox," 54. 
Curtis. David. 34. 

George William. 34. 

D 

Dana, Francis. 39. 

Richard il.. 40. 

Rev. Dr.. 102. 
Davis, John, 12, 50. 54, 55, 97. 

Matthew L.. 73. 
Day, Eunice, 34. 
Dedication, 3. 

Devereux, Thomas P.. 12, 50. 52. 
Dexter, Samuel. 44. 
" Doctor Squinlum." 112. 



Early Years, ^^. 
East Rock. 57. 
Eaton. William, 48. 
Edwards, Jonathan, 94. 

Pierrepont. 56. 57. 73. 
Ellery, William. 58. 
"Emancipator," the. 53. 



Emmet. Thomas A., 63. 

Everett, Edward, 38, 85, 86, 92, 96. 



"Farmer's Letters." 71. 
"Farmer Lincoln," 71. 
"Father Morris." original of. 79. 
Fillmore, Millard, 97. 
Fisher, Alexander M., 50. 
Fox, Charles James, no. 
Franklin, Benjamin, 39, 108. 



Garrick the actor, 112. 
Garrison, William Lloyd, 90. 
Giddings. Joshua R., 99-101. 
"Godvvard a good man," 69. 
Goffe. Rev. Joseph, 77. 
Goffe and Whalley, 58. 
Goodrich, Rev. Charles A.. 66. 

Chauncey A.. 53. 

■Samuel G., 66. 
Granger, Francis. 50. 

Gideon, 51. 
Gray, William, 89. 
Great Gale of 1815. 59. 
Greenwood the artist. 55. 

H 

Hale. John P.. 98. 100. 
Hamilton's duel with Burr. 35. 
Hartford Convention. 69. 
Harvey, Peter, 92. 
Hat ruined by R. H. Dana, 40. 
Heard, Gen. Nathan, 12. 
Homer, translations of, 109, no. 
"Honest John Davis," 54. 



INDEX. 



125 



Houghton, Rev. William A., remarks 

at funeral, 27. 
Howe, Rev. Nathanael, 76. 



IngersoU, Robert G., 105. 

J 

Jay, Peter A., 63. 

Jefferson, President, 61, 71. III. 

"John Gilpin," 109. 

Johnson, Dr., 1 10. 

"Judges' Cave," 58. 

K 

Kane, Elias K., 50. 
Kent, Chancellor, 65. 
Kingsbury, Dorothy, mother of Geo. 
Allen. II. 



Lafayette. 89. 

Lamson. Rev. C. M., 22. 

Lanman, Charles J., 50. 

Lathrop, Rev. Dr., 81. 

Lawrence, Abbott, 55, 96, 97. 

Leavitt, Joshua. 50. 53. 

Leicester Academy. 10. 12, 35, 48 

72. 
" Liberator." the, 90. 
Lincoln. Governor. 71, 97. 

William, 42, 71. 
Lincolns, the, 70-72. 
Lincoln's History of Worcester, 42. 
Litchfield, Conn., 56. 
" Little Peter the Great," 81. 
Longstreet, Augustus B., 12. 



Louisiana, purchase of, 71. 
Lovering, Rev. J. F., 22, 28. 

M 

Macklin, Charles. 109. 
Madison, Dolly. 58. 

James, III. 
Martineau, Harriet, 87. 
"Massachusetts Spy," 44. 
" Massachusetts wears no chains,' 

19. 98. 
May, Rev. Samuel, 89. 
Mellen, Judge, 93. 
Mills, Rev. Edmund, 79. 

Rev. Samuel J., 79. 
Milton, the poet, no. 
Ministry at Shrewsbury, 73. 
Mitchell. Elisha. 12, 57. 
Monroe, James, in. 
Moore, Zephaniah Swift, 12. 48. 
Morgan, murder of, 85. 
Morse, Samuel F. B., 50. 
Morton, Marcus, 93. 
"Mother at Home." 82. 
Mower. Ephraim, 36. 

Thomas Gardner, 35. 

N 

Napoleon, 35, 83. 87. 89, in. 
Nash, Rev. William, 80. 
"National .4igis," 68. 
"National Era," lOO. 
Nelson, Rev. Dr. John, 76. 
Nelson, death of, 35. 
New Haven, incidents at, 57. 
"Noah's doves," 54. 



126 



INDEX. 



Nott, Eliphalet, 65. 
Nutmegs, price of, 62. 



Olmsted, Denison, 12, 50, 53. 
Otis, Harrison Gray. 65. 



Packard. Rev. Asa. 75. 

Park, Rev. Dr. E. A.. 102. 

Parsons, Theophilus, 39-41, 43, 47. 

81. 
Peckham, Robert. 94. 
Percival, James G., 50. 
"Pen Portraits," 99. 
" Peter Parley." 66. 
Phelps, Samuel S., 50, 51. 
Phillips, Rev. G. \V., 28. 

Wendell. 91. 
Pickering, Timothy, 48. 
Pierpont. Rev. John, 56. 
Pitkin. Eliza, wife of Geo. Allen, 12. 
Pitkin Family. 36. 
"Plato, thou reasonest well." 57. 
Pope's Homer, no. 
Portrait of, George Allen, 58. 

William Eaton, 49. 

Roger Sherman, 55. 

Dr. Sumner, 55. 

Isaiah Thomas, 45. 

Washington. 55. 

Peter Whitney, 55. 

John G. Whittier. 94. 

Peter Willard, 70. 
Potter, Alonzo. 64. 
Preface, 5. 
Prentiss, Charles. 49. 



Protest at Plymouth. 104. 
Published writings, 119. 
Puffer, Rev. Dr. Reuben, 75. 

Q 

Quincy. Josiah, Jr., 75. 

R 

Randolph. John, 43. 58. 

Red Jacket. 72. 

Religion, concerning, 105. 

" Resistance to Slavery every Man's 

Duty," 102. 
" Resistance to tyrants obedience to 

God, 58. 
Resolution of 1848, 19, 98. 
Retrospect, 113. 
Revised Version of the Scriptures, 

107, 108. 
Rice, Elijah, 84. 
Robbins, Dr. Thomas, 67. 
Robinson, William S., 99. 
Rockwood, Rev. Elisha, 80. 
Rum at Funerals, 84. 
Russell, Benjamin, 46. 



Savage, the painter, 55. 
Schenectady, at, 64. 
Scott, Gen., 83. 
Shelden, William, 45. 
Sherman, Rev. James, 108. 

l<oger, 55. 
Shumway, Henry L., 79. 
Slavery, abolition of, 89. 
" South Side View," 94. 
Stearns, Dr. Samuel, 45, 



INDEX. 



127 



Stedman, William, 58. 
Stiles, Jeremiah, 69. 
Stone, Benjamin. 42. 
Story, Joseph, 52. 
Stowe, Rev. C. E., 94. 

Mrs., 79. 
Sumner, Charles, 86, 97, 100-102. 

Rev. Dr. Joseph, 13, 74. 



Texas, annexation of, 86. 
Tippecanoe, battle of, 36. 
Thomas, Isaiah, 44-46. 
Thompson, Rev. James, 77. 
Tolman, Albert, 99. 
Tompkins, Daniel D., 61, 64. 
Trafalgar, battle of, 35. 
Trask, Rev. George, 76. 
•'True Grandeur of Nations," loi. 



Van Buren, John, 60. 

Martin, 13, 59, 63. 
Van Rensselaer, Stephen, 64. 
Van Schaack, Peter, 63. 

W 

Waldos, the, 68, 69. 
Walker, Adam, 36. 
Ward, Artemas, 39, 41-43- 



Ward, Henry Dana, 92. 
"Warrington," 99. 
Washington, 33, 42. 
Wayland, Francis, 64. 
Webster, Daniel, 52, 53, 91, iii. 

Noah, 53. 
Wells, Samuel A., 37. 

William V., 38. 
West Rock, 58. 
Whalley, the regicide, 58. 
White, William Charles, 67. 
Whitefield, 112. 
Whitney, Rev. Peter, 81. 
Whittier, John G., 94. 
Wight, the artist, loi. 
Wilder, S. V. S., 88, 89. 
Williams, Roger, 1 10. 
Wilson, Henry, loi. 
Wisner, Rev. B. B., 64. 
Wolcott Family, 36. 
Wood, the artist, 58. 
Woods, Rev. Dr. Leonard, 103, 104. 
Worcester, Joseph E., 50, 51. 
Worcester Society of Antiquity, 3, 
70^ 79- 



Yale College Reminiscences, 49-58. 
Yates, Rev. Dr. Andrew, 13, 64. 



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